In the Hot Seat
Tips for a Successful Deposition
Many divorces resolve in mediation, but those that aren’t head to trial. Before appearing in a courtroom, a good attorney will request a deposition with their client’s spouse. You’ll likely be called into a room and asked a series of questions under oath so the opposing counsel can nail down the facts, determine your credibility, and develop a legal strategy. If your divorce case requires a deposition, your attorney will work to prepare you in detail. They’ll share the types of questions you’re likely to be asked, address your concerns, and even give you tips on wardrobe and body language. But no matter the details of your case, some of the same rules always apply. First and foremost, you should always tell the truth. It might be tempting to lie or fudge the details when the facts present you in a negative light, but the truth will eventually come out. And if you lie in your deposition, it will be much worse for you than the embarrassment might have been. Remember, you are under oath. But while you should always remain honest, that doesn’t mean you should volunteer information. If the attorney asks you a yes or no question, give a yes or no answer and wait to see if they follow up. Don’t be intimidated by long silences or facial expressions that indicate you “should” say more when you have already answered the question. If you’re unsure what is being asked, request clarification before responding. And don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember” if that’s the honest answer. Finally, it’s crucial to remain calm and collected. Depositions are often nerve- wracking and uncomfortable, and your ex might be present. Be prepared for this reality, but don’t address your spouse directly. Take deep breaths and pause to think before giving your answer. Also, stay alert and consistent — the attorney may ask you the same question multiple times to trip you up. Perhaps most importantly, ensure that nothing comes out in the deposition your attorney does not already know. Remember, you have attorney-client privilege, and what you tell your lawyer is confidential. We can’t prepare for what we don’t know — and while surprises under oath make for good television, they don’t create positive legal outcomes. Trust us with the truth, and we’ll plan for the worst-case scenarios in advance.
Make the Most of Every Nook and Cranny As people spend more time in their houses, the boundaries between home, work, and leisure are blurred more than ever, which can impact mood and productivity. No matter where you live — a single-family suburban home or a one-bedroom apartment — you want to squeeze as much function as you can in an existing space. These tactics will help you get the most out of your abode. Fold it away. One of the first steps in creating more space is to utilize multifunctional furniture. These are pieces that can fold and free up floor space when they’re not in use, or they can even transform into another piece of useful furniture. Instead of using a free-standing desk, you can go with a fold-away desk that disappears into your wall or can easily be hidden in a storage area or under the bed. There are also tables that transform and expand when needed. You can look into using a bed that folds into the wall, as they come with built-in storage options to keep extra bedding, clothes, shoes, and other space-hogging items. Consider combining rooms. If you have an open-floor plan, combining rooms is a great way to make the most of the existing space. Combining rooms like the dining room and kitchen is ideal for social gatherings in one area where no one is cut off from the crowd while cooking. Another combination is a bedroom closet and office. A few shelves and a chair can morph a closet into a great office workplace, and you can even tuck it behind a curtain when it’s not in use. You can also use this technique in an empty corner of a room. When it comes to creating a multifunctional area, it’s not about dividing the room in half. Instead, it’s about allocating your space according to how you’re actually going to use it. You can really use every nook and cranny of your home to your advantage, and it’ll give you plenty of room for more activities.
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