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Those visiting the Family Division of District Court are often there at the worst time of their life. Divorce, custody of children and guardianships are just a few of the contentious matters that are handled there. So, it’s no surprise that people lose their cool and get emotional during proceedings. Judges do their best to guide litigants through the process in a smooth manner, but it’s a constant challenge that is seen in courts across the nation; so much so, that it has been a
focus in judicial colleges. That’s why the Family bench issued a recent resolution to spell out civility in court with the aim to improve courtroom courtesy.
The following rules of professional cooperation shall be enforced in every courtroom in the
Family Division:
- Attorneys and litigants shall, at all times, demonstrate respect for the opposing attorney, litigant and the court
- Attorneys and litigants shall be adequately prepared for each court appearance
- Attorneys and litigants shall permit the opposing party to present their arguments without interruption (no objections during argument)
- Attorneys and litigants shall refrain from excessively repeating facts or arguments
- Attorneys and litigants shall refrain from personal attacks on the opposing attorney or litigant
- Attorneys and litigants shall address all comments to the Judge and not the opposing attorney or litigant
- Attorneys and litigants shall maintain control over their emotions
“The resolution spells out the rules as a reminder to all parties that courtesy and preparation are essential to smooth and efficient court operations.” said the civil Presiding Family Division Judge Charles Hoskin. “It points out that candor, courtesy and cooperation facilitate faster, less costly and mutually accepted resolution of disputes; reduce stress for lawyers, staff and clients; reduce waste of judicial time; and generate respect for the court system, the individual attorney and the profession as a whole.”
Preparation for Family matters has been helped by improvements at the Family Law Self-Help Center located right on the Family Division Campus at 601 N. Pecos Road and the Family law self Help website
familylawselfhelpcenter.org/. Those looking to represent themselves in Family Court cases, can access a new website that offers how-to tips, forms and info on going solo in court. Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada has launched the new site at http://www.familylawselfhelpcenter.org/ for the Family Law Self-Help Center. The non-profit Legal Aid Center operates the Self-Help Center at Family Court in cooperation with the Eighth Judicial District Court. The new website provides easy access to many of the forms and resources available at the Self-Help Center.
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