Confidence In Family Court: Trial preparation tips

Brittany Vakiner | Cordell & Cordell

When in law school, Cranberry Township divorce attorney Brittany Vakiner was determined to use her degree to help people.

“Family law is the perfect outlet to give people a voice, advocate, and voice of reason through one of the most difficult points in their lives,” Ms. Vakiner said. “I hope to bring assistance, stability, and clarity to my clients as they navigate the family law system and establish a new normal.”

She is extremely dedicated to her clients and genuinely cares about the outcome of her cases. “It is so much bigger than just a case – it’s their lives,” she said. “Family law, whether it is divorce, custody, or support can be really hard and frustrating. I am here to walk through the process with you and am always on your side.”

I. Understanding the Family Court Process | 11:00am – 11:20am

• Family court procedures
  • Divorce processes
  • Custody processes
• Key differences from other types of court proceedings
• Importance of understanding court etiquette and protocols

II. Effective Case Management and Organization | 11:20am – 11:40am

• Strategies for organizing case files and evidence
• Preparing your client from the beginning
• Timelines and deadlines: Staying on top of crucial dates
• Utilizing technology and tools for efficient case management

III. Developing a Strong Case Theory | 11:40am – 12:00pm

• Identifying the core issues and objectives of your case
• Crafting a compelling narrative
• Creating a theme
• Development of evidence to support your narrative

Break | 12:00pm – 12:10pm

IV. Gathering and Presenting Evidence | 12:10pm – 12:30pm

• Best practices for collecting evidence (documents, witness statements, etc.)
• Rules of evidence in family court
• Laying Foundation for personal documents
• Tips for presenting evidence effectively to the judge

V. Witness Preparation | 12:30pm – 1:00pm

• Identifying key witnesses and their roles in your case
• Drafting questions
• Preparing witnesses for direct and cross-examination

VI. Courtroom Presentation Skills | 1:00pm – 1:10pm

• Effective communication and public speaking tips for attorneys
• Handling objections and unexpected issues during trial and preparing your client for the same
• Maintaining professionalism and poise under pressure