If your case actually goes to trial, you'll be called upon to testify on your own behalf, and also so that you can be cross-examined by opposing counsel. Your demeanor and appearance can make a big difference in how you're perceived by the judge.

It goes without saying that you should dress formally in a suit and tie. Showing up looking like a slob can't possibly help you unless you're bucking for an insanity plea (not usually allowed in a divorce trial).

Speak clearly and do your best to appear calm. You'll probably be about as nervous as you've ever been, but remain cool. Just take your time, listen to the question and reply to it. Don't let the opposing counsel rattle or provoke you.

Be prepared to "take some hits". The opposing counsel will probably find something in your past or present that you've done that you won't like having brought up, but nobody's perfect. If you know of something "bad" that's going to be brought up anyway, you might consider having your attorney mention it first so as to defuse it as much as possible. Beating the other attorney to the punch is usually a good idea. (And it really grinds their gears, too.)

Avoid sarcastic responses or "witty" answers. This isn't the time or the place for laughs, so just answer the question as clearly and as briefly as possible. Don't expound and wander off on a tangent. Keep your responses short and to the point- judges have little patience for blather. Finally, don't be openly hostile to the opposing counsel. You're unlikely to win a verbal-sparring contest with him, so just answer his questions and move on.

An attorney who is cross-examining you generally wants a nice, short, "freeze-dried" answer. He may cut you off with a curt "That's all", "Thank you" or other comment as soon as he gets what he wants. If you have something you want to add and the attorney won't let you answer fully, politely ask "May I finish my answer, sir?". It's very hard for an attorney who's standing in front of a judge to legitimately say "no" to this. You were, after all, sworn to tell "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth".

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