Emotional moment in court. What if I start tearing up for a minute when it comes to talking about the case?

Lisa, maybe it would help to first have a big, flat out, messy, lying face down on the bed, out of control cry. Get it all out! You must be extremely angry about this situation as well as sad -- hit the pillows and cry until you can't cry a drop more.

Then, lovingly compose yourself, wash your face, re-center yourself with prayer, quiet sitting, gratitude for all the good things you've ever experienced in this life, regardless of how things turn out. Drink some water or tea. Breathe.

THEN practice saying your statement as if you are in court. Imagine what the courtroom or hearing room might look like, the judge, the court officers, other random people in the court, etc. Imagine it as vividly as you can. Imagine yourself presenting your short but informative statements about your mother's situation, and calmly and concisely answering all questions. Imagine yourself totally nailing it!

Lisa, I still hope there is some way you can get a lawyer on board in this situation ASAP, but I hope and pray things go well for you on Friday whatever happens.

Lisa--

Do you have ANYONE in your life that has legal training? My son is an attorney and trust me, he spent HOURS getting ready for "mock trials" in law school. MOCK TRIALS that had no legal outcome. He said it was so painful and stressful--he isn't even ever going to practice criminal law and will likely never see the inside of a courtroom!

Worst mistake you can make is representing yourself----I keep hoping you will think of someone with some legal expertise to guide you.

The other "side" has attorneys--correct? They will chew you up and spit you out. (I know it sounds like I am slamming my own son's choice of careers, but lawyers aren't in it to LOSE....)

If you cannot find help...even legal aid...then I will just pray you have a compassionate and patient judge. While you have every right to represent yourself, most people wouldn't even consider it as you have so much at stake.

Please--google "legal aid" in you area and try to see someone who can make a coherent sense of what you are trying to do.

And also?(I am trying to be kind) The judge will not care about how many family members you cared for---they will wants facts only.

I do wish you the best of luck. I'd never attempt to represent myself in court. I watched my brother do it and he got completely shut down by the judge. (Of course he was guilty as sin and had NO character witnesses, not a soul...but still. He thought he knew what he was doing. A 3 year prison sentence is hardly "winning")

Please spend some time/energy trying to get legal aid.

Lisa I think that once you get started you’ll be alright. Keep your goal in mind when you speak and have your paperwork together. Speak slowly so everyone can understand you. You may tear up at some point, that’s pretty normal & I’m with you - a judge should have a heart & he/she is no better than we are. 
Hopefully you’ll be able to get a postponement to get an attorney. The judge may advise you to get one after they hear your issues, as they are complicated. IMO your case isn’t a DIY. It’s in your best interest to hire an attorney.
Good luck!

Ahmijoy raises good points. Mediation used to be arbitrary in Circuit Court level actions in my area, but then there are also quite a few Circuit Court judges. I believe Lisa Hermandez a/k/a Lisa Romair is/are in Texas, in a small town. I finally realized from I think it was Barb's post that WithoutaPaddle is a different poster.

Lisa, what type of case is this? There are different court proceeding so knowing what Court you will be in and why would be helpful.

Are you being brought to court? If so, maybe the Judge can appoint an Attorney to present you without any charge, that is if you cannot afford to hire an Attorney. Check with the Clerk of the Court to see if the case can be postponed to another date while you obtain an Attorney.

It is never a good idea to represent yourself as court proceedings are quite complicated.

Lisa--

Really, so try to get a stay for your hearing and try to find an attorney who may take your case pro-bono.

Some judges are absolute sticklers for decorum, and crying? They have seen it all and while some may be "kind"---court is not the place for emotions. They will not be impressed with it and you won't be furthering your case.

It would be helpful is we knew why you were going in the first place---the comment that you are flying blind is true. You REALLY need an advocate in court.
If that is simply not possible--I just wish you luck.

Lisa, I write with all compassion that in your situation, I would move mountains to find a competent attorney, and work whatever reasonable jobs I could to pay for it. As we've written before, this is not a DIY project.

Attorneys can be hired on a moment's notice; you might not get the best one(s) or the one(s) most desirable, but you will get someone who can make more of an impact than any nonlegal person ever can.

I understand that you feel you haven't been able to get one quickly, but I also know that some firms, especially criminal ones, have staff that can literally turn on a dime, or send a young attorney from the firm, or ask for an adjournment.

And as to your presentation, keep it to just the facts; judges are busy and aren't interested in emotions; while they may offer some sympathy; they want the facts and want to move the case through the docket and on to the next.

And, as I believe I've asked before, what specifically is this hearing? It makes a big difference in terms of time allotted by the court clerk.

Just asking how did it go?

Very interested.

I’m confused. Are lisahernandez, Lisaromair and Withoutapaddle the same person? I don’t pretend to know anything about Legal Issues, but what this poster describes sounds like a criminal trial complete with jury. Why couldn’t this be solved by sitting down with an arbitrator? I am just thoroughly confused. I just have this feeling Ive read this story before, something about Don Quixote?

Got a rental house but not available till 28th.but it's secured with deposit. Forgot to mention that.