How to Behave in Court During a Divorce or Family Law Case

 Posted on May 20, 2026 in Divorce

Divorce can be a stressful time for almost everyone. Sometimes people act out irrationally due to the high stress and tense situations. However, those actions can have a huge impact on the outcome of your divorce if you are not careful. By working with an experienced Oakland County, MI divorce attorney, you can be prepared to address the legal concerns in a divorce or family law case.

At Elkouri Heath, PLC, we have decades of experience helping clients with divorce and family law cases. We have guided clients through a wide variety of proceedings, from uncontested cases that settle outside of court to hotly litigated divorce trials.

Three Tips for Making a Good Impression in Michigan Family Law Courts in 2026

There are many ways you can make a good impression, but consider three that will make an immediate impact.

Dress Appropriately for Court 

The court is a formal setting, and first impressions matter. You want to dress in a clean, respectful way that showcases your responsibility and maturity. Wearing professional-looking clothing to court is your way of showing respect for the judge and the legal system. Besides wearing conservative clothing, make sure you are showered and look clean.

Your appearance will not decide your case by itself, but it can affect how you are perceived. A judge may be watching how you carry yourself, how you respond to questions, and whether you seem prepared to take the process seriously. If your hearing is held remotely, you should still dress appropriately even if you are not physically present in the courtroom.

Stay Alcohol and Drug-Free

Substance abuse is a serious problem, especially when children are involved. Judges will always err on the side of caution and demand the person be drug-tested if they suspect a parent is abusing drugs or alcohol. The best way to avoid this suspicion is to remain sober, especially during all court appearances. If you give the judge a hint of doubt about your ability to be a good provider, you could risk losing custody of your children.

Do Not Speak Poorly of Your Ex to Your Children

It is important to avoid speaking negatively about your ex in front of your children, even when emotions are running high. Children love both parents, and hearing one parent criticize the other can leave them feeling confused, hurt, or caught in the middle. During a family court case, judges also pay close attention to how each parent supports the child’s relationship with the other parent. A judge may view repeated bad-mouthing as harmful to the child and as a sign that a parent is not putting the child’s emotional well-being first.

When Can a Family Law Judge Hold You in Contempt of Court in 2026?

A family law judge can hold someone in contempt of court when that person disrupts the court process or disrespects the court’s authority. The judge has the authority to keep order, protect the process, and make sure each side has a fair chance to be heard. If you are found in contempt, you could be fined, jailed, or subjected to other sanctions.

Contempt may be imposed when someone yells at the judge, refuses to stop talking, interrupts witnesses, ignores direct instructions from the bench, uses threatening language, or behaves in a way that disrupts the hearing. A person could also face contempt penalties for refusing to answer proper questions after being ordered to respond.

Contempt doesn’t always take place directly in front of a judge. In Michigan parenting time cases, the court may hold a parent in contempt, order make-up parenting time, fines, costs, or other remedies when a parent violates a parenting time order without good cause (MCL 552.644).

Can Social Media Posts Reach the Courtroom in a Michigan Divorce?

Social media can become evidence in a Michigan divorce or custody case. Posts, photos, videos, direct messages, comments, and location tags may all matter. Even posts that seem harmless can raise questions in court.

For example, a person may claim that he or she cannot afford support, but then post photos from an expensive trip. A parent could claim to have a stable home life, but social media may show heavy partying, unsafe behavior, or troubling comments about the children. A spouse might deny being in a new relationship, but posts may suggest otherwise.

In general, you should exercise caution about social media during an ongoing divorce or family law case. If you have any questions about what you should or shouldn’t post, talk to your attorney first.

Why Honesty Is Important in Family Law Cases

Honesty matters in every family law case. Judges make decisions based on the facts they receive. If a person lies, hides information, or gives half-truths, the judge may lose trust in that person. Once trust is damaged, it can be hard to repair.

Statements Made Under Oath

Many statements in family law cases are made under oath. This may happen during testimony, depositions, sworn financial statements, or signed court documents. When someone is under oath, he or she must tell the truth. Lying under oath can lead to perjury concerns. It can also affect the judge’s view of that person’s credibility.

Credibility in Custody Cases

Credibility is especially important in custody cases. A judge may need to decide which parent is more reliable. If one parent lies about money, parenting time, alcohol use, living arrangements, or communication, the judge may wonder what else that parent has hidden. A lie about a smaller issue can have a domino effect on your overall case.

Financial Issues

Honesty also matters in financial issues. Divorce cases often require full disclosure of income, bank accounts, debts, real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, and other assets. Hiding money can lead to sanctions and an unfair result being corrected later. It may also make the case more expensive and more stressful.

Contact an Oakland County, MI Family Law Attorney

Whatever the situation, it is helpful to learn how to remain calm and collected in the courtroom. Besides a clear mental state, you also need qualified legal advice. If you are going through a divorce, you need the best representation to help you reach a settlement or argue your case before a judge.

At Elkouri Heath, PLC, our Northville, MI divorce lawyers can advocate on your behalf in order to protect your interests during your divorce or family law case. Contact us at 248-344-9700 today to set up your free consultation.