Legal readiness for domestic violence victims preparing to go to court is paramount, as it plays a pivotal role in safeguarding their safety and getting justice. The legal process involves a multifaceted approach, and being prepared emotionally, gathering evidence, and understanding the legal process, and th potential challenges that come with it is an essential first step in legal readiness. In this episode of Her Empowered Divorce, your Host, Beverly Price, talks to Joni Jones and Lawrence Jones, experts in domestic violence, on both the emotional and legal issues. Together, they discuss the legal readiness of domestic violence victims for court to equip you with the tools you need to navigate the courtroom effectively, protect your rights and credibility, and ultimately break free from the cycle of abuse.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Domestic violence can be both a civil and criminal proceeding. However, each state has its statutes and laws, and it’s essential to learn the domestic violence statutes in your state.
• Legal readiness starts with the awareness of the court's requirements and expectations in a case, which can help you better prepare for the process.
• Are there pro bono resources for domestic violence victims? State laws and resources differ from state to state, but you can get pro bono attorneys, recoupment, and organizations’ legal aid in most states.
• Your conduct in court, no matter which part you are in, matters. You are always being watched, even when not on the stand. Be respectful and polite, and don’t undermine your own credibility.
• Can I win a case without witnesses? A lot of domestic violence occurs with no witnesses, but this doesn’t mean you can’t win the case. You can win the case by being more credible. The court has every right to decide which side they believe based on the evidence.

NOTABLE QUOTES:

• The court system in domestic violence can be overwhelming if you are not familiar with it; being a little cognizant of what the laws are is an important first step in the legal process. (Lawrence)
• If you are going to bring any witnesses to court for any particular reason, it’s important to Subpoena them so that they are required to be there, and you are not just hoping they will be there and they don’t show up. (Lawrence)
• Domestic violence courts are pretty busy, and you can’t constantly be stopping a proceeding to accommodate the documentation you have on your cell phone, so it’s very important to have copies of whatever you’re coming in with available in your cell phone so it can be used as evidence. (Lawrence)
• Knowing some basic evidence laws, even if you are not an attorney, is helpful because even if you are representing yourself, you are still bound by the same laws as someone being represented. (Lawrence)
• Having an attorney or an advocate can be helpful rather than trying to do it all by yourself because if you have never done it before, the risk of messing it up along the way becomes greater. (Lawrence)
• If you are going