Walking into a courtroom is stressful even for people who have done it before. If you have a temporary orders hearing, an enforcement hearing or a final trial coming up in New Braunfels or elsewhere in Comal County, preparation can make a real difference in how you come across and how calm you feel. This guide walks through the weeks before your court date, the day itself and how to testify clearly. It is meant to support, not replace, the preparation you do with your family law attorney.
Know What Kind of Hearing You Have
Family court settings vary in length and purpose.
| Setting | What it usually involves |
|---|---|
| Temporary orders hearing | A shorter hearing on interim issues such as possession, support and use of the home |
| Enforcement or contempt hearing | Whether a party violated an existing order and what should happen |
| Prove-up | A brief hearing to finalize an agreed or default divorce |
| Final trial | A full presentation of evidence on all disputed issues |
Ask your lawyer how long your setting is expected to last, which issues the judge will decide and who will testify. For context on interim hearings, see temporary orders.
Where Your Case Will Be Heard
Divorce and custody cases for Comal County residents are filed with the Comal County district clerk and heard at the courthouse in New Braunfels, the county seat. Because part of New Braunfels lies in Guadalupe County, some residents’ cases are heard in Seguin instead. Confirm the exact courtroom and time with your lawyer, and check for any changes the day before. Our page on Comal County family court has general background.
Two to Four Weeks Before
Review the Pleadings and Your Goals
Reread the petition, any counterpetition and your proposed orders. Know exactly what you are asking the court to do and why it serves your children or is fair.
Organize Your Evidence
Work with your lawyer to collect and organize exhibits. Common exhibits include:
- Financial statements, tax returns and pay stubs
- Inventories of property and debts
- School records, report cards and attendance logs
- Medical records relevant to the children
- Calendars showing parenting time actually exercised
- Texts, emails or co-parenting app records
- Photographs
Your lawyer will decide which exhibits to use and how to get them admitted. Do not bring surprise documents on the day of court without discussing them first.
Identify Witnesses
Think about people who have firsthand knowledge of important facts, such as a teacher, coach, neighbor or family member. Character testimony alone rarely carries much weight. Witnesses who saw specific events are more helpful. Your lawyer will decide who to call and may need to subpoena some witnesses.
Prepare Your Financial Information
If support or property is at issue, the court will expect accurate financial information. Update your income records and monthly budget. For child support, the court starts with your net resources.
The Week Before
Practice Testimony With Your Lawyer
Ask your lawyer to walk through the questions they will ask you and the kinds of questions the other side might ask. Practicing out loud is very different from thinking through answers silently.
Plan the Logistics
- Arrange childcare and time off work for the full day.
- Plan your route and leave early. Traffic on I-35 and downtown New Braunfels can be unpredictable.
- Allow time for parking and courthouse security screening.
- Charge your phone, but expect to silence it in the courtroom.
Take Care of Yourself
Sleep, eat regularly and limit caffeine. If you take medication, keep your regular schedule.
What to Wear and Bring
Dress as you would for an important job interview or a religious service. Clean, conservative clothing shows respect for the court.
- Avoid clothing with slogans, sunglasses, hats or flashy jewelry.
- Bring a copy of any documents your lawyer asked you to bring.
- Bring a notepad and pen to pass notes to your lawyer rather than whispering.
- Bring water and a snack for breaks if allowed.
- Leave weapons, including pocketknives, at home; security will not allow them.
Courtroom Behavior
Judges notice everything, including how you act when you are not on the stand.
- Stay composed. Avoid eye-rolling, sighing, head-shaking or muttering, even if you hear something untrue.
- Write, don’t talk. If you disagree with testimony, write a note for your lawyer.
- Address the judge respectfully as “Your Honor.”
- Stand when the judge enters or leaves if others do.
- Keep your phone off and put away.
- Do not approach the other party in hallways or the parking lot. Let the lawyers communicate.
How to Testify
Testifying is the moment most people dread. These principles help:
- Tell the truth. Credibility is your most valuable asset. A judge who doubts you on one point may doubt you on everything.
- Listen to the whole question. Pause before answering.
- Answer only the question asked. Do not volunteer extra information or argue.
- Be specific. Dates, times and concrete details are more convincing than generalities.
- It is fine to say “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember” if that is the truth.
- Stay calm on cross-examination. The other lawyer may try to provoke you. Short, polite answers work best.
- Speak to the judge. Look at the judge when you answer longer questions.
- Focus on the children, not on scoring points against the other parent, when parenting is the issue.
If the Judge Interviews Your Child
In a nonjury case, a child 12 or older may be interviewed by the judge in chambers on request, and the judge may choose to interview a younger child. Do not coach your child or pressure them about what to say. The judge is experienced in these conversations and decides based on the child’s best interest. See a child’s preference.
After the Hearing
The judge may rule from the bench or take the matter under advisement. Either way, a written order is usually prepared afterward. Review it carefully with your lawyer, follow it exactly and ask questions if anything is unclear. If you disagree with the result, talk to your lawyer promptly. Deadlines for post-trial motions and appeals are short.
Court Preparation With a New Braunfels Family Law Attorney
No one should walk into a Comal County courtroom unprepared. Our family law team helps clients in New Braunfels and the surrounding counties prepare evidence, practice testimony and present their case clearly. Call (830) 302-4071 for a free consultation with New Braunfels Family Law. Hablamos español.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my children to court?
Generally, no. Unless the judge has asked to speak with a child, arrange childcare. Courtrooms are not designed for children, and exposing them to testimony about the case can be harmful.
Will there be a jury in my family case?
Most Texas family cases are decided by a judge. Texas does allow a jury on certain issues, such as some conservatorship questions and the character of property, if a party makes a timely request. Your lawyer can explain whether a jury makes sense for you.
What if I do not understand a question while testifying?
Say so. It is better to ask for the question to be repeated or rephrased than to guess. Answer only what is asked, and it is fine to say you do not know or do not remember.
Can I bring a friend or family member for support?
Most family hearings are open to the public, so a support person can usually sit in the gallery. If that person is a witness, the rule excluding witnesses may require them to wait outside until they testify.
Is there an interpreter if I speak Spanish?
Texas courts provide interpreters for parties and witnesses who need them. Let your lawyer or the court coordinator know well in advance so one can be scheduled.
Last reviewed November 13, 2026. General information only, not legal advice.