A day in court

Yesterday was a new adventure for me.  It was also my first time in the new courthouse here.  I met a friend there for a hearing on spousal support in her divorce proceedings.  There were three of us gals waiting to testify on her behalf.  We all sat together in a pew behind the railing.  As it turned out that wasn’t necessary, but we were her support group, so it was nice to be there.  I was a bit nervous about the whole thing anyway and not feeling like me so it was just as well that her lawyer took care of the whole thing.

The new courthouse is a beautiful three-story building with sweeping staircases and ornate railings.  These days it’s similar to going through TSA at the airport, having to walk through a scanner and put your handbag, keys, sunglasses, etc into a tub to be scanned.  They didn’t have all that the last time I was in a courthouse for something, but that was years ago and times have changed.

I did set off the scanner but the officers said it was only my hot pink sandals and they could tell I wasn’t smuggling anything in there. Hmmm...

Once in the courtroom, it was like a scene you’d see on TV with two tables set up for each plaintiff and their lawyers.  But I found it unusual that each table contained a computer.  There was no jury, just the judge up on his high perch behind a dark, carved desk.

We couldn’t hear the proceedings very well once they swore in the plaintiffs.  The lawyers did most of the talking, never leaving their places at the table except to hand over documents to the bailiff who kept his eye on the three of us.  Unfortunately, the microphones were at table level and the lawyers stood.  On occasion, they asked their clients questions, but for the most part did all the talking for them.  This would speed things up, they said.

We could only snatch bits and pieces over the next two and a half hours.  Once closing statements were made and the judge made his ruling, we were free to go.  My friend’s lawyer ushered us into a small room outside the courtroom and we all introduced ourselves and had a nice chat.  I’m extremely glad he was more prepared than the other guy.

Then it was off for a quick lunch where the four of us chatted about the verdict over soup and salad.

I think my friend came out on top, but we’ll see if her soon-to-be-ex complies with the judges orders. 

I was glad to get home, as I’ve felt off-color since going on this new medication for osteoporosis.  I can’t function on that stuff and won’t take anymore of it.  More on how that goes later.  I’m still waiting for a call from my doctor.