Part 4 on…
THE GOLDEN RULES OF LITIGATION
THE DOs
4. KNOW THE FACTS
You know the facts. You know the whole story. You know too much.
So if you’re representing yourself, you have to realise that what’s important to you is not necessarily what’s important or relevant to your case.
This ties in with 6. KNOW THE LAW. You have to know the facts that are relevant to your application and pare down your story to just those facts.
A good way to do this is to write down each fact in a single bullet point line or even a single sentence. If you can’t do that, then you have too many facts tied up in your single idea/explanation. They must be separated out. You don’t need the “story” that goes with each fact yet, you just need what was done, by whom, when;
for example:
ex prevented children from substantial and meaningful relationship with father (you) from date to date. (Child abuse)
I, the father, bathed, clothed, fed the children breakfast of eggs and toast, made and packed school lunches of sandwiches, juice, snack, took them to school daily from date to date. (Primary care)
I, the father, collected the children from school, provided snacks, helped with the homework, cooked dinner, got the children ready for bed, and read them a story. Lights out at 7:30 PM Monday to Friday from date to date. (Primary care)
I, the father, have successfully completed a parenting course with Family Relationships Centres. (Primary care)
I, the father, have sought and received family counselling from Family Relationships Centres. (Primary care)
From here you can make sure your affidavit has these facts and include the evidence as annexures.
This is your case; your reason for applying for the parenting orders you’re seeking from the court. If you just “tell the whole story” you’ll have a lot of irrelevant stuff (as far as the court, your application, your case is concerned) that can be attacked and used against you, used to prove her case or your relevant evidence struck out with the irrelevant stuff.
So skip the story and like the detective from Dragnet always said, “Just the facts Ma’am. Just the facts.”
Want to know more? Join the club!
Join McKenzie Friends Club (http://familycourtsecrets.com.au/)