The judge asked me about 50 questions when I first went on the stand, to get the meat of the story and I suppose to assess me.
Then I was cross-examined/
I didn't name myself as witness, not did my ex.
I just was reading the Family Law Rules and saw this:
CALLING OPPOSING PARTY AS WITNESS
(11) A party may call the opposing party as a witness and may cross-examine the opposing party. O. Reg. 544/99, s. 9.
ATTENDANCE OF OPPOSING PARTY
(11.1) A party who wishes to call an opposing party as a witness may have the opposing party attend,
(a) by serving a summons under subrule (3) on the opposing party; or
(b) by serving on the opposing party’s lawyer, at least 10 days before the start of the trial, a notice of intention to call the opposing party as a witness. O. Reg. 544/99, s. 9.
I did state in my book of evidence that I would be taking the stand. The judge also asked us the first day of trial if we would be giving evidence in chief (I think thats what it is called) I spoke for a few hours, and during that time the judge would interrupt occasionally and ask questions to clarify, and then after I was done the judge asked me some additional questions.
Seems to be mixed opinions on whether or not I list myself as a witness on the TMC Brief, I guess it does not harm to do so even if it is not needed.
In a matter essentially just going to trial on my pursuit of additional access, decision making in regards to activities and such during my access and child support depending on access verdict, really is there any witnesses worth calling? My ex will take the stand and as such be cross-examined by myself, I could call one or both of my parents but of course they are going to be supportive of my case. Obviously I don't want to put her partner or parents on the stand as they will be hostile witnesses for me.
It just feels like not a lot is needed to proceed to trial on an access matter (primarily).
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