Using Closing Statements and Summations in Divorce

Divorce is a complex and emotional time. In most scenarios, feelings are hurt, and the grief caused by a dissolving marriage can quickly turn into anger, making litigation even more combative for those involved. Although some divorce lawyers like Mr. Darren M. Shapiro can offer alternative dispute resolution strategies through collaborative law or mediation, some couples will still need to use the traditional option of litigation. As a divorce attorney and child custody lawyer, it's up to Mr. Shapiro, and professionals like him, to assist clients facing the complications of divorce, and make sure that their case is presented as effectively as possible in any New York Court. Typically, this means telling an effective story on the behalf of the client, beginning with an opening statement, and continuing through to a body of cross and direct examination which involve witness testimonials. Finally, when the case has been presented, the experience can be drawn to a close with a summation or closing statement.

Closing statements in a divorce proceeding can be essential to the success of the overall case. That's why from the moment Mr. Shapiro begins working with a client on their case, he will discuss the unique elements of that case in detail, writing down "golden nuggets" of information that might become a part of the trial folder to be referenced later. Using this strategy can help divorce attorneys to highlight the most important elements of the story they want to tell throughout the case. However, while making a plan of action can be useful, divorce lawyers and child custody attorneys must also be prepared to listen carefully to the statements presented by witnesses and opposing lawyers. After all, the things said and exhibits admitted into evidence during a case can have an impact on the facts that need to be addressed during divorce summations.

The information revealed during a divorce case is crucial to effectively tell a story on the behalf of a client. Like an opening statement, divorce attorneys and child custody lawyers use a closing statement to concisely highlight the facts for the judge. In opening statements, lawyers like Mr. Shapiro can outline what they're going to prove to the judge during the case. On the other hand, in closing statements, attorneys attempt to prove that they've done what they set out to accomplish. The key to success in this process is often making sure that you get the information and tone right. The evidence needs to be used to give the judge the best view of a client's perspective. Paraphrasing documents and listing witness testimonials isn't enough. Instead, divorce attorneys must draw attention to elements that showcase the strength of their case.

Typically, Mr. Shapiro will use his closing statement as a concise insight into the things that took place during the case, highlighting areas that may shine a positive light on his client. All the while, Mr. Shapiro ensures that the theme he outlined in his opening statement remains present through to the closing statement - maintaining consistency throughout the trial. This doesn't mean simply repeating the same facts but instead using the evidence at hand carefully to direct focus and minimize the use of opinion within the case.

When used correctly, a closing statement can be an incredible tool for divorce attorneys and child custody lawyers alike. The key is showing that you understand the full truth of the situation, rather than simply drawing focus to the parts of the case most useful to a client. Attorneys like Mr. Darren M. Shapiro must identify problems within their case too, explaining that they understand their weaknesses, but that those weaknesses don't necessarily detract from the validity of the case. After all, a closing statement is a divorce lawyer's chance to convince a judge that their side of the story is the most truthful. Ignoring a portion of the facts simply isn't appropriate, instead, attorneys must present themselves of conveyors of evidence, delivering an objective insight into the situation at hand.

Closing statements also demand that divorce lawyers should appear as natural as possible. Large, dramatic motions are kept to a minimum, and tones are held to a soft, respectable standard. In some cases, it may be appropriate to show small amounts of outrage, to help draw focus to the fact that an attorney truly believes in their client and the case in question. Above all, it's important for professionals within a courtroom to remain controlled and focused, as too much emotion can be distracting, and draw focus from the key points of the case.

For Mr. Darren M. Shapiro, and divorce professionals like him, a closing statement is a natural, yet crucial part of litigation. A closing statement helps to bring all the different threads that are introduced during a divorce case together, to make sure that attorneys can connect with the judge on the behalf of their client, showing the humanity of the person that they represent. Ultimately, Mr. Shapiro attempts to finish each case by leaving something memorable in the mind of the court. This generally means that he will refer to the testimony or key points that were made by witnesses while reminding the judge how impactful his or her decision can be. After all, the orders given by a judge not only weigh on the success of the legal system but also the future of the client in question. This is why it's often effective to finish a divorce summation with a phrase, sentence, or memorable anecdote designed to echo within the judge's mind as he or she makes their decision.

For more information about the details of closing and opening statements, please feel free to read through some of our other blog posts and website pages. On the other hand, if you'd like to discuss the details of your divorce case, then you can contact Mr. Darren M. Shapiro at your convenience to schedule your free consultation, lasting up to thirty minutes. You can contact us over the phone at (516) 333-6555 or fill out our online form.