Judges? Human? Seriously?

Reading this article http://tinyurl.com/nbb49b on stltoday.com reminded me of something I like to share with my clients who are eager to settle their case at first blush or for terms that are not necessarily the best, but will end the case quickly.

Judges are human too. Hopefully, you've hired an attorney who will listen to you, but also makes you aware of the best/worse case scenario for your case. There is a time and place for settlement and a time and place for a trial. A good lawyer will know the difference and will share that difference with you based your set of facts. True, not every case warrants the expense or emotional toll of a trial, but being confident in your case and reducing your fear of the judge, etc. should help you to come to the negotiation table a little more relaxed and clear headed.

Don't be afraid to try your case based on your fear of going in front of a judge who will cast down judgment and disapproving glances in the courtroom. Judges are human beings and have been divorced, have families and (gasp!) have cheated on their spouses. In essence, they have been where you have been some time in their lives. Remember that when you think your bad acts might weigh in your spouses favor and want a hasty settlement.

Family Court is often not as formal as most people are led to believe, with television courtroom dramas, etc. It isn't as scary as one might anticipate. Knowing this and with your attorney's advice on the solidness of your case, you will probably end up with a better settlement if you proceed and show the opposing side that you are not afraid of putting your case before the court if necessary.

Practicing law is often like trying to smell fear. Good lawyers are able to do it, use it to scare the opposing side into a favorable settlement for their client. Therefore inner confidence in your case can only work to your advantage.