WOW! That has to be another horrible day coming! You have my sympathy and prayers!

No advice, but i am wishing you strength to get through it. Hugs Patti

How horrible for you! Hopefully the lawyers will be gentle in their questioning and you will find the strength somewhere. I would think that the lawyer for whatever side you are testifying for would prepare you somewhat IDK. The one and only time I had to testify in court, the prosecutor met with me prior to the hearing. Good thoughts going out to you.

Are you testifying on your own behalf? Remember that it is perfectly okay to cry in court, especially when describing what has happened. It's what normal people do. No one would expect you to feel nothing talking about it. There is a great quote from Mark Twain which I have always liked:

"When you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything."

Tell it like it is. There are no wrong answers. I am glad your son is taking you, and if it helps give you strength, bring something of your husband's with you, too. Lawyers and judges are just people. I can tell you from personal experience that they screw up just as much as the rest of us (sorry Val and Terri!). If it becomes too much, ask the judge if you can have a few moments to collect yourself.

You can do this - don't be afraid. When all else fails, I tell myself I have been through the death of my husband AND natural childbirth -- nothing can top those! Keep us posted......

Love and Hugs,
Martha

Lisa . . I can totally relate with your anxiety regarding the upcoming court testimony. It's horrifying to think about! I've been torn apart by the opposing attorney (ass) in my probate situation. (Not to get you overly excited, just prepare for the worst if that is possible.) The only advice I can say that worked for me is "be yourself and be honest". Give no thought of the picture that is being painted in the court room. As a dear friend and attorney advised me . . . it's all smoke and mirrors with a little bit of truth in between. Keep your integrity in tact and be strong! Know who you are and remember, it doesn't matter what other people may think. I'll be thinking of you. BTW, we have quite a few members here that are attorneys, I'm sure you will be getting some better advice coming up!! One of our many perks here on DSWW. LOL Hang in there. xo, D

No apology needed, Martha. The JD doesn't make us super-human or sub-human, just makes us read code. Lol. Just tell the truth, in your own words. If you cry, you cry, its Ok. To thine own self be true, the rest falls into place.
Hugs,
Val

Here's more info to clearify a bit. There are actually 2 court dates for different things. My husbands parents are suing me for part of his estate. they say he owes them for rent and utilities because he lived with them for a month 7 years ago!!! Right after Mike died they called social security and tried to get survivors benefits saying that he and his mother lived together and he was her sole supporter!!! NOT the truth. . They abused him as a child locking him in closets and burning him with cigerettes hitting him with boards as a teenager ect. They are scammers and liers!! HE owes them nothing and if he did why didn't they take him to court before he died. Not to mention everything they want belongs to myself and his kids, anyway that hearing is August 3rd. The hearing on August 6th has to do with his work since he died on the job.

LMJ90, Relax the hearing will be a breeze. My husband was also killed on the job. I was so scared to go to the hearing. It was nothing. Mine was a Workmens compensaton hearing, which I'm assuming yours is too. It is just basically to tell you your benefits as a surviving spouse. It's going to be ok.
Rachel

LMJ 90 For heaven sake he lived with them for a month seven years ago. Can't imagine anyone even an idiot thinking he has a claim there. Has to be a statute of limitations. I am not an attorney, but really? Some people just come out of the woodwork don't they? Hang in there, you will be fine. Tell the truth. Sounds to me like they should be charged with filing a trivial law suit. And have to pay your attorney fees and courst costs too. It's B.S. Hugs and love to you, Michele

GLE and LMJ, my heart hurts for both of you.
To have to suffer with such horrible in-laws!

I'll keep both of you in my prayers that you're victorious.

Hugs,
Janie

Oh dear God, Lisa . . after reading your latest on what this Hearing is all about, I'm totally appalled! Really? His parents are suing you for back rent?? I simply don't get it. I don't get much when it comes to $$ and death. Beyond ridiculous. All I can say, is "I'm sorry you have to go through this on top of grief". Remember Lady Karma will take care of the rest . . . Again, hold your head up high and remember who you are. Tell the truth and let the rest go. Jeez . . grrrr . . . be strong my friend. Hugs, D

I am so sorry you have to go through this!!! I will defiantly be thinking of you and be praying for strength for you...

I just got served yesterday by my two step-daughters! The summons says You have been sued...
I just mailed the whole thing to my lawyer.
These people all just have a sense of entitlement. We are the ones who worked alongside of our husbands, and helped build what we have.
Now people think they have a right to it because they are related?
On top of that, I am filing a complaint about one of my lawyers to the State Bar for screwing things up. Id been feeling anxious and struggling a bit with the draft, but this morning I woke up with the name of a friend who is a lawyer that Id forgotten about. I feel like my husband gave me her name in my sleep to help me.
I called her and she quickly and helpfully edited my draft!
I just dont think my stepdaughters have leg to stand on. Their lawyer is feeding them BS and just collecting their money, knowing that he doesnt really have a case, but will lead them on...
The ladies on this site gave you some excellent advice!
My only advice is that you leave yourself lots of traveling time, or better yet, spend the night in a hotel near the courthouse, if possible. At least you wont have to worry about getting there in time.
And pretend that all the lawyers and strangers are wearing only their underwear...:-)

Just be yourself. Showing that this process upsets you is normal and keep in mind no one there will bite you.

Maggie

No advise, just my blessings. Greed brings out the worse in people. My sisters haven't spoken to me for years, after my Dad died, they thought he left money, but all we left was debt. And he lived with me and I took care of him for years.... Surely the judge will see through their greed.... Bless you.... Sending my prayers your way. Sandee