As a top-rated* Vancouver BC family lawyer, I am often asked by my clients to help them avoid making big mistakes in family court that will sink their chances of success.
Family court judges know that every family case that comes before them is a big case because of that couple’s family, finances and future rest on a correct decision being made.
Family clients are often angry, confused and scared. Both judges and family lawyers understand they are seeing these family members at a time when they are often facing circumstances that cause them to act in a less than optimal way.
Here are some key tips to increase your chances of success:
- Family court is an extremely busy place and studies show Judges often form their decision in the first 5 minutes of hearing a case. It is critical for a lawyer or self-represented party to be able to summarize the issues and to provide the court with a concrete position framed as a successful resolution for all parties and their children in 5 minutes or less. Framing your argument as a positive solution instead of demanding justice or punishing your former spouse will make all the difference in the world.
- I attribute my success on behalf of my clients to wrapping my argument up in a tiny perfect tiffany’s box with an attractive bow on it instead of my adversary’s argument that often is akin to dumping of a trash can of arguments and facts on the judges bench and asking him to pick threw it to find the good arguments. Use free checklists to focus you on the best parts of your case and don’t hide the good facts in a jumble of irrelevant complaints.
- Do not repeatedly say you have rights to your children or that you are being denied time with your children if you want to win a custody case. Parents don’t have rights you have obligations and responsibilities. Instead say the children have the rights to see both of their parents and have a healthy ongoing relationship with both of you.
- All too often self-represented parties attack each other rather than focusing on solving their family problems so their children and they can move on to a successful post-separation life. When people ask me who the winners and losers are in divorce I tell them the winners are children and parents who move forward positively and the losers are those who get locked in battle and bitter recriminations for years. Nothing predicts a poorer outcome for children than prolonged family conflict.
Remember each of us is 100% responsible for our 50% part of the problem. Judges appreciate people who can look in the mirror and see what they can do better as ex-spouses and parents.
We have 4 offices across BC located in Vancouver, Surrey, Kelowna and Fort St John, BC. Call us toll-free at 1 877 602 9900 to get help or request a consultation.
*Top Choice Award (2014, 2016, 2017 2018, 2019), Top rated reviews on Google, Yelp, threebestrated, lawerratingz.com. Read more about our awards.
