What to expect at Trial?

[rebecca]

Dear Socrateaser:

Yesterday was the court date on whether or not to make our mediation agreement a court order.  It was made an interim order pending a trial because other party did not agree to any portion of the recommendation in the mediation report.  

I am in California, joint custody one child.  The original issue was Father changing Son's school without my agreement.   He now wants full custody because I did not agree to the school change, therefore he claims I do not act in Son's best interest.

He told me he will never stop pursuing full custody and that I might as well do drugs because he will make sure I look like a horrible parent so that I lose custody.  He said his employees will be his witnesses to my verbal abuse in front of son.  These events and witness statements will be false.

What should I do?  What is this trial process like?  We have both been In Pro Per up to this point, but should I get a lawyer?  They are about $5000 to start with around here.  

Thank you.

[socrateaser]

If you're up against an attorney, then you need an attorney. As for the rest of it, go to the court and sit through some trials.

I don't have any facts of your case, so I can't give you any related advice.