At each trial, the court will move through each of the following steps.

• Step 1:  Opening statement
  Each party may give a brief summary of the evidence they intend to introduce during the trial and what they want the court to do in response to their petition.
• Step 2:  Direct examination
  Each party can testify on their own behalf. They can also ask witnesses to testify. For each witness called, the party must ask the witness questions that prompt the witness to provide the court with information that will help the judge make a final decision about the petition. Please note that a witness cannot give a summary. They can only provide testimony in response to a question by the party that called them to testify.
• Step 3:  Cross examination
  Once the witness testifies, the opposing party may ask the witness questions about the testimony that they gave.
• Step 4:  Closing argument
  After each party presents evidence, each party may give a brief summary of the evidence they presented and how they want the court to rule on the petition.

After hearing all the evidence, the court will make a final decision, in most cases, that day. Parties shall, therefore, bring all documents and witnesses that they want the court to consider.  All parties, regardless of whether they appear with an attorney or represent themselves, shall abide by courtroom procedures and the rules of evidence when providing the court with documents and witnesses. Any documents submitted will be returned at the end of the trial.

The judge cannot give legal advice or help you present your case. Please consult an attorney with questions about the law and what evidence to present and how to present the evidence.