Temporary hearings are held to determine such matters as who remains in the house while your divorce is pending, temporary custody, and temporary support. The procedure for your hearing can vary depending upon the county in which your case was filed, the judge to which the case is assigned, and whether temporary custody is disputed.
Temporary hearings may be held on the basis of written affidavits and the arguments of the lawyers. While you should plan to attend your hearing, it is possible that the hearing will be held in the judge’s chambers with only the judge and attorneys present.
Even if you will not be testifying at your hearing, your presence at the hearing is still important. Your attorney may need additional information from you during the hearing, and last-minute negotiations to resolve issues are not uncommon.
In some counties, your hearing will be one of numerous other hearings. You may find yourself in a courtroom with many other lawyers and their clients, all having matters scheduled before the court that day.
If temporary custody is disputed, you and other witnesses might be required to take the witness stand to give testimony at your hearing. If this is the case, meeting with your attorney in advance to fully prepare is very important.
Talk to your lawyer about the procedure you should expect for the hearing in your case.