We weren't married but went through a custody trial....neither of us had lawyers or even brought a tone but I was so nervous. In court i was afraid of crying. I literally can't exactly explain how I felt. I felt frozen i answer questions. Tried to never look at him. I felt like crying but held every tear back i had. We had 2 court dates and one mediation and i did exactly same thing at all 3. I hope it goes fine its so stressful just going.

I've been working on court strategies with my therapist.

Not there yet, but I will suggest to be aware of your triggers and find a way to not respond when they're pulled out. In any of these meetings or proceedings I've been through, my trigger is when someone mentions the kids. I don't full out cry, but my eyes tear up a little. Good luck on Monday, I hope all goes smoothly!!!

My court was simple and easy fortunately. Just a quick appearance before the judge to say I agreed to the terms. After that I went for a long walk in the park. Good luck with everything on Monday. It's been a very long road for you Samantha. Hugs.

Good luck! I go to court in a few months. Thinking how I will handle it as well.

He didn't show up. I appeared alone before the judge, answered the questions, she signed off and then I went to the clerks counter to get copies. Then I got into my car and took off my wedding ring and put on a nice ring I bought as a replacement. I had worn a ring there for 22 years and felt it would feel weird not having anything on. Started home and he sent a text asking "is it done?" I don't remember any details after that.

you are stronger than you think! this too shall pass. sending strength and a gentle hug. i did positive imagery and thought about being at the beach with warm sunshine embracing my body and then my mind got quiet. you're going to be okay. i took my rings off and felt freedom. it was a most unusual surprise!

My divorce was simple, he had to speak And
i spoke. It was all over in 5 minutes We had
both lawyers and us. We each had a room
In the courthouse to confer with our lawyer.

We waived the waiting period and all was
legal and done before Leaving the courthouse.
I had not needed to attend if i didn't want to since
He had filed for the divorce. I wanted to look him in
The eye that day.

I had enough divorce care under my belt so that
Day was okay in many ways. I was in a good and
Healthy place spiritually not emotionally so i was
Extra gentle with myself that day. HUGS

I didn't go to court. We both signed the divorce agreement at his lawyer's office, then it had to get filed by the court. Eventually the papers showed up in my mailbox. I intentionally didn't read the official date we divorced for years.

Honestly I have no clue what I did after we signed the papers. I think we shook hands and I drove home to kids and life.

Oh and I DO know that I came on here to DS to talk that night...kept my mind busy. I think some sort of silly thread was going on, like we used to have more often. Replies would go up into the hundreds. PM'd, or chatted, or something. Went to bed, with a certain amount of nostalgia, some regret, and a LOT of relief that LIMBO was finally over.

I had three court appearances before I got my divorce. The ex didn't attend any of them because he was over seas working. Not having him around was easier on me. I think each time I came home from court I was on a tractor or lawnmower working on this farm I now own.
Then there was the three contempt hearings after the divorce. I won each one and he had to pay me. Yes, I went home happy that this farm would remain mine and the ex didn't cause me to lose what I had worked towards for many years.

I was nervous before my final court date, but was very calm once I got there. My attorney read to me from a list of "yes/no" questions, so I didn't have to think about what to say. She was a pretty tough attorney, but I noticed that while I was calm, her hand was shaking in court. I guess even the most experienced of us get nervous!

It sounds like you have a great plan, therapy and girlfriend time. I don't remember what else I did that day over two years ago, but I remember I was euphoric for about a month afterwards before reality set in. Best of luck in your new life!

My brother and his wife went with me, I did lose it but got it back together to finish up the questions. It took less than an hour after it was all said and done. Went to dinner afterwards. Congratulations.