Self-rep in trial advice

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Divorcetoday

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Happy (early) New Year Everyone !

It looks like I'll be going to trial and like most everyone I don't have any money for a lawyer. :-(

This means I'll be representing myself for our trial.

The problem is, I really don't have a clue on examining, cross-examining, etc. or really how in the world to do this!

If anyone here has had experience with this, please give me some pointers. Very appreciated. Someone already suggested a lot of reading and even watching trials. I will do that.

Anything else?

I hope everyone has a much better 2012 and I hope it's a much better year for you and your families than 2011.
 
be clear and concise so they can cant twist things around on you doesnt matter if you are being examined or cross examing.. try to keep your emotions under check, do not engage in personal arguments when cross examining. write down the questions you want to ask for cross examining you can add or delete questions later as it unfolds. when cross-examining stick to the relevant points. Biggest thing you can do is keep your ears wide open as they may say something that will give you an opening and an edge.
 
first you need to clear understanding of trial process (look up on forum memorandum for self representative - good starting point). Than you will need clear understanding what you have to do before the trial while it's not late yet. Like offer to settle, request to admit, develop theory of your case etc.

as for cross-examination: I find very helpful book
Cross-Examination: Science and Techniques, Larry Pozner & Roger Dodd

unfortunately I did not have enough time to read it (I got it by interlibrary loan) in whole and at least two times but at least I got golden rule #1 of cross: Never ask question on which you do not know answer. And here I believe is main advantage of self-rep against lawyer (at least in my case). I knew much much more answers that any lawyer would know. Ok let's be honest I knew all answers and truth.
 
Preparation is key! Here are ten commandments for cross-examination that I found on on the web:

1. Be brief
2. Short questions; plain words
3. Ask only leading questions
4. Never ask a question to which you do not already know the answer
5. Listen to the answer
6. Do not quarrel with the witness
7. Do not permit the witness to explain
8. Do not ask the the witness to repeat testimony s/he gave on direct examination
9. Avoid one question too many
10. Save the explanation for summation

The goal of cross-examination is to obtain information to support your argument for the closing statement. Once you have the necessary info, stop; don't go down a rabbit hole and risk things blowing up in your face.
 
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