I think your Domestic Violence Therapist should be beaten like a rug to get the dust out of them. Telling you that the opposing attorney "will eat you alive" shows me your therapist is an moron.

Do you have an attorney and if so, they should keep everything in line? If not, aren't any of the domestic violence organizations helping you out on this, or at least prepping you and attending court with you? If you haven't been involved wtih any of these organizations, then call the National Doomestic Violence Hotline (the site is below and you just click on the green link) and talk to them about getting help in your area, and if there are people you can talk to to prep you for trial and have volunteers attend with you.

http://www.thehotline.org

I'm going to trial, right now i'm gathering statements from people who have seen my stbx abuse, I know it's hard but you need to stand up and be strong! My husband used to verbally abuse me telling me I am no good, and nobody wants a lady with baggage, I let that all slide because I believe he said that cause he won't find another one (as good as me!) he knows I play hard ball and that's what i am doing! i will not back down for my children's sake! He knows what he did was wrong and hinted several times on coming back, but to me I think he was thinking (it's cheaper to keep her) cause i did everything, i mean everything for him, now he has to do it by himself unless his gf is helping him. you know him better than anyone else, and should have a clue on this thought process.

Hi Kvlak: Make sure the statements you receive are notarized. Also know that not all judges will accept statements because they do not have the person there to allow for cross examination by your husband's attorney. Find out for sure what the judge's preference is on statements BEFORE you go in.

Got that all squared away, figured out and taken care of!

Let your attorney guide, and protect you. The opposing counsel is trained to intimidate you. They will come off quiet, and they are very cunning. They try to find what they deem is a weakness, and they will try to prey on you relentlessly. Your attorney is your line of defense, and will buffer out the opposing counsel's remarks, and questions that are not lawful. Answer only in the simplest terms. Use yes, and no responses whenever you are able to. Never volunteer more information than was asked. Do not look at your ex-spouse or make faces etc. The judge is trained to fouc on your body mechanics and you do not want to come across as being rude, or in poor taste to the court. Be very courteous in your answers especially to the judge referring to them as " Your Honor!" Answr honestly and stay in control of your composure. The opposing attorney will try to use a weakness in you to badger, and break you emotionally. They will also try to trip you up in your reponses by making you look dishonest. This is why you only answer what is asked, and yes, no responses, and do not let the opposing counsel lead you into answering a question wrongly, because they are good at trying to make you look like you fabricated your testimony. Good luck, and I hope this helps. Spiritreader!