Family Law Trials in Supreme Court - Revision history

Nate Russell: Redirected page to Trials and Supreme Court Family Law Proceedings

2025-04-02T19:50:19Z

Redirected page to Trials and Supreme Court Family Law Proceedings

Nate Russell: /* Tips about etiquette at trial in Supreme Court */

2024-12-04T00:02:36Z

Tips about etiquette at trial in Supreme Court

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:02, 4 December 2024
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	* When speaking to a witness, use Mr., Ms., or Dr., followed by their surname, rather than the witness' first name (which is too casual).		* When speaking to a witness, use Mr., Ms., or Dr., followed by their surname, rather than the witness' first name (which is too casual).

	For more tips on conducting a trial in Supreme Court, see the Legal Aid BC's Family Law website's information page [https://~~www~~.~~clicklaw~~.bc.ca/~~resource~~/~~4649~~ "If you have to go to court"], under the section "Trials in Supreme Court", and the step-by-step guide "Schedule and prepare for your Supreme Court trial".		For more tips on conducting a trial in Supreme Court, see the Legal Aid BC's Family Law website's information page [https://family.legalaid.bc.ca/bc-legal-system/if-you-have-go-court/trials-supreme-court "If you have to go to court"], under the section "Trials in Supreme Court", and the step-by-step guide "Schedule and prepare for your Supreme Court trial".

	=== Costs and disbursements ===		=== Costs and disbursements ===

Nate Russell: /* Usual sequence of events */

2024-12-03T23:59:04Z

Usual sequence of events

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:59, 3 December 2024
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	Trials of family matters in Supreme Court are usually conducted in the following manner and sequence:		Trials of family matters in Supreme Court are usually conducted in the following manner and sequence:
	# '''Opening Statement of the Claimant:''' At the beginning of the trial, the claimant (or claimant’s counsel) has the opportunity to tell the court what the case is about and what proof the claimant will be presenting.		# '''Opening Statement of the Claimant:''' At the beginning of the trial, the claimant (or claimant’s counsel) has the opportunity to tell the court what the case is about and what proof the claimant will be presenting.

	# '''Claimant’s Presentation of Evidence:''' The claimant (or claimant’s counsel) will then call each of their witnesses, including the claimant themself, to testify and to introduce any applicable exhibits into evidence (i.e.: documents or objects). The respondent (or respondent’s counsel) will then have the right to cross-examine the witnesses.		# '''Claimant’s Presentation of Evidence:''' The claimant (or claimant’s counsel) will then call each of their witnesses, including the claimant themself, to testify and to introduce any applicable exhibits into evidence (i.e.: documents or objects). The respondent (or respondent’s counsel) will then have the right to cross-examine the witnesses.

	# '''Opening Statement of the Respondent:''' After the claimant has finished presenting their witnesses and evidence, the respondent (or respondent’s counsel) is entitled to make an opening statement to the court.		# '''Opening Statement of the Respondent:''' After the claimant has finished presenting their witnesses and evidence, the respondent (or respondent’s counsel) is entitled to make an opening statement to the court.

	# '''Respondent’s Presentation of Evidence:''' The respondent (or respondent’s counsel) will then be given the opportunity to call witnesses, including the respondent him/herself, to testify, and to introduce any applicable exhibits into evidence. The claimant (or claimant’s counsel) will then have the right to cross-examine them.		# '''Respondent’s Presentation of Evidence:''' The respondent (or respondent’s counsel) will then be given the opportunity to call witnesses, including the respondent him/herself, to testify, and to introduce any applicable exhibits into evidence. The claimant (or claimant’s counsel) will then have the right to cross-examine them.

	# '''Argument:''' After the evidence is complete, both parties (or their lawyers) will have the opportunity to make submissions (arguments) about how the case should be decided. The claimant is given the opportunity to make submissions first, then the respondent, and then the claimant is often given a further opportunity to respond (briefly) to the submissions of the respondent.		# '''Argument:''' After the evidence is complete, both parties (or their lawyers) will have the opportunity to make submissions (arguments) about how the case should be decided. The claimant is given the opportunity to make submissions first, then the respondent, and then the claimant is often given a further opportunity to respond (briefly) to the submissions of the respondent.

Nate Russell: /* Usual sequence of events */

2024-12-03T23:58:48Z

Usual sequence of events

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:58, 3 December 2024
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	Trials of family matters in Supreme Court are usually conducted in the following manner and sequence:		Trials of family matters in Supreme Court are usually conducted in the following manner and sequence:
	#'''Opening Statement of the Claimant:''' At the beginning of the trial, the claimant (or claimant’s counsel) has the opportunity to tell the court what the case is about and what proof the claimant will be presenting.		# '''Opening Statement of the Claimant:''' At the beginning of the trial, the claimant (or claimant’s counsel) has the opportunity to tell the court what the case is about and what proof the claimant will be presenting.

	#'''Claimant’s Presentation of Evidence:''' The claimant (or claimant’s counsel) will then call each of their witnesses, including the claimant themself, to testify and to introduce any applicable exhibits into evidence (i.e.: documents or objects). The respondent (or respondent’s counsel) will then have the right to cross-examine the witnesses.		# '''Claimant’s Presentation of Evidence:''' The claimant (or claimant’s counsel) will then call each of their witnesses, including the claimant themself, to testify and to introduce any applicable exhibits into evidence (i.e.: documents or objects). The respondent (or respondent’s counsel) will then have the right to cross-examine the witnesses.

	#'''Opening Statement of the Respondent:''' After the claimant has finished presenting their witnesses and evidence, the respondent (or respondent’s counsel) is entitled to make an opening statement to the court.		# '''Opening Statement of the Respondent:''' After the claimant has finished presenting their witnesses and evidence, the respondent (or respondent’s counsel) is entitled to make an opening statement to the court.

	#'''Respondent’s Presentation of Evidence:''' The respondent (or respondent’s counsel) will then be given the opportunity to call witnesses, including the respondent him/herself, to testify, and to introduce any applicable exhibits into evidence. The claimant (or claimant’s counsel) will then have the right to cross-examine them.		# '''Respondent’s Presentation of Evidence:''' The respondent (or respondent’s counsel) will then be given the opportunity to call witnesses, including the respondent him/herself, to testify, and to introduce any applicable exhibits into evidence. The claimant (or claimant’s counsel) will then have the right to cross-examine them.

	#'''Argument:''' After the evidence is complete, both parties (or their lawyers) will have the opportunity to make submissions (arguments) about how the case should be decided. The claimant is given the opportunity to make submissions first, then the respondent, and then the claimant is often given a further opportunity to respond (briefly) to the submissions of the respondent.		# '''Argument:''' After the evidence is complete, both parties (or their lawyers) will have the opportunity to make submissions (arguments) about how the case should be decided. The claimant is given the opportunity to make submissions first, then the respondent, and then the claimant is often given a further opportunity to respond (briefly) to the submissions of the respondent.

	=== Tips about etiquette at trial in Supreme Court ===		=== Tips about etiquette at trial in Supreme Court ===

Nate Russell at 23:08, 26 June 2024

2024-06-26T23:08:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:08, 26 June 2024
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	{{JP Boyd on Family Law TOC\|expanded = incourt}}{{JPBOFL Editor Badge		{{DEMOWARNING}}{{JP Boyd on Family Law TOC\|expanded = incourt}}{{JPBOFL Editor Badge
	\|ChapterEditors = [[Shannon Aldinger]] and [[Julie Brown]]		\|ChapterEditors = [[Shannon Aldinger]] and [[Julie Brown]]
	}}		}}

Nate Russell: From staging July 2022

2022-08-12T19:52:32Z

From staging July 2022

Nate Russell: Nate Russell moved page Preparing for and Going to Trial in Supreme Court to Family Law Trials in Supreme Court: new title for edition 2020

2022-08-12T19:50:42Z

Nate Russell moved page Preparing for and Going to Trial in Supreme Court to Family Law Trials in Supreme Court: new title for edition 2020

← Older revision	Revision as of 19:50, 12 August 2022
(No difference)

Nate Russell at 18:39, 31 July 2019

2019-07-31T18:39:39Z

Nate Russell at 17:54, 18 July 2019

2019-07-18T17:54:53Z

Corinne Shortridge: /* Tips about etiquette at trial in Supreme Court */

2019-07-16T18:55:39Z

Tips about etiquette at trial in Supreme Court

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:55, 16 July 2019
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	* When speaking to a witness, use Mr., Ms., or Dr., followed by their surname, rather than the witness' first name (which is too casual).		* When speaking to a witness, use Mr., Ms., or Dr., followed by their surname, rather than the witness' first name (which is too casual).

	For more tips on conducting a trial in Supreme Court, see the Legal Services Society's Family Law website's information page [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 If you have to go to court], under the section Trials in Supreme Court and the step-by-step guide "Schedule and prepare for your Supreme Court trial".		For more tips on conducting a trial in Supreme Court, see the Legal Services Society's Family Law website's information page [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 "If you have to go to court"], under the section "Trials in Supreme Court" and the step-by-step guide "Schedule and prepare for your Supreme Court trial".

	=== Costs and disbursements ===		=== Costs and disbursements ===

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:52, 12 August 2022
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	#* Read Rule 14-7 carefully, and especially subsections (19) to (39) when it comes to witnesses.		#* Read Rule 14-7 carefully, and especially subsections (19) to (39) when it comes to witnesses.
	#* Are you certain your witnesses will show up? Should you be delivering a subpoena (in Form F23) by personal service more than 7 days in advance of when you want them to give testimony?		#* Are you certain your witnesses will show up? Should you be delivering a subpoena (in Form F23) by personal service more than 7 days in advance of when you want them to give testimony?
	#* Consider reading the part on "Witnesses giving evidence" in the Justice Education Society's guidebook, [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1498 Trials in Supreme Court], as well as the Legal ~~Services Society~~'s information page [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 "If you have to go to court"], in particular the portions on sample questions to ask your own witnesses and on cross-examination of other witnesses under the section "Trials in Supreme Court."		#* Consider reading the part on "Witnesses giving evidence" in the Justice Education Society's guidebook, [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1498 Trials in Supreme Court], as well as the Legal Aid BC's information page [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 "If you have to go to court"], in particular the portions on sample questions to ask your own witnesses and on cross-examination of other witnesses under the section "Trials in Supreme Court."
	# '''Consider preparing a chronology:''' Each party should also consider preparing a chronology of important events such as the birth dates of each party and child, the date of cohabitation, the date of marriage, the date of separation, the date of divorce (if applicable), and the dates of any other significant events such as moves, job changes, promotions, inheritances, gifts, diagnoses, etc. for easy reference by the judge at trial. If you do prepare a chronology, be sure to bring copies for the judge, the other party (or their lawyer), and yourself.		# '''Consider preparing a chronology:''' Each party should also consider preparing a chronology of important events such as the birth dates of each party and child, the date of cohabitation, the date of marriage, the date of separation, the date of divorce (if applicable), and the dates of any other significant events such as moves, job changes, promotions, inheritances, gifts, diagnoses, etc. for easy reference by the judge at trial. If you do prepare a chronology, be sure to bring copies for the judge, the other party (or their lawyer), and yourself.
	# '''Consider preparing a Scott Schedule:''' If either party has a lawyer and division of property and debt is in dispute, then the lawyer will also prepare a ''Scott Schedule''. A Scott Schedule is a spreadsheet that lists all of the property and debt in issue, the value of each at various dates, and other useful information such as whether there are excluded property claims, that party’s position about what should happen with each property and debt, and the like. There is no requirement in the Supreme Court Family Rules that a Scott Schedule be prepared, but it is a useful reference tool at trial. If one party has a lawyer who prepares a Scott Schedule, the other party can review it carefully and make note of where that party disagrees with the information provided. If neither party have a lawyer and neither party prepares a Scott Schedule, the judge will likely use the parties’ financial statements as the main reference for financial information about property and debts.		# '''Consider preparing a Scott Schedule:''' If either party has a lawyer and division of property and debt is in dispute, then the lawyer will also prepare a ''Scott Schedule''. A Scott Schedule is a spreadsheet that lists all of the property and debt in issue, the value of each at various dates, and other useful information such as whether there are excluded property claims, that party’s position about what should happen with each property and debt, and the like. There is no requirement in the Supreme Court Family Rules that a Scott Schedule be prepared, but it is a useful reference tool at trial. If one party has a lawyer who prepares a Scott Schedule, the other party can review it carefully and make note of where that party disagrees with the information provided. If neither party have a lawyer and neither party prepares a Scott Schedule, the judge will likely use the parties’ financial statements as the main reference for financial information about property and debts.
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	#**Consider watching a trial, as observation of the real thing is often the best education. Trials are open to the public and are generally in session from 10:00am–12:30pm and from 2:00pm–4:00pm each day.		#**Consider watching a trial, as observation of the real thing is often the best education. Trials are open to the public and are generally in session from 10:00am–12:30pm and from 2:00pm–4:00pm each day.
	#*Engage in self-care leading up to trial, including ensuring that you get enough sleep, that you are eating healthily and getting regular exercise, and that you have the emotional support that you need to help you through this process (i.e. from family, a friend, or a counsellor).		#*Engage in self-care leading up to trial, including ensuring that you get enough sleep, that you are eating healthily and getting regular exercise, and that you have the emotional support that you need to help you through this process (i.e. from family, a friend, or a counsellor).
	#*For more tips on personal preparation to manage the trial process, see the Legal ~~Services Society’s~~ information page [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 "If I have to go to court"], and in particular the portions on "Coping with the court process", and "Preparing to attend a Supreme Court trial", both under the section on "Trials in Supreme Court".		#*For more tips on personal preparation to manage the trial process, see the Legal Aid BC's information page [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 "If I have to go to court"], and in particular the portions on "Coping with the court process", and "Preparing to attend a Supreme Court trial", both under the section on "Trials in Supreme Court".

	== Conducting the trial in Supreme Court ==		== Conducting the trial in Supreme Court ==
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	* Always arrive early for court (15 minutes early is a good guideline) and return to the courtroom on time after breaks.		* Always arrive early for court (15 minutes early is a good guideline) and return to the courtroom on time after breaks.
	* Stand up when the judge enters or leaves the courtroom and when you are speaking to the judge.		* Stand up when the judge enters or leaves the courtroom and when you are speaking to the judge.
	* ~~If the judge is:~~		* Judges are no longer addressed as "My Lord/Your Lordship" or "My Lady/Your Ladyship" — "Justice", "Madam Justice", or "Mr. Justice" should be used when addressing the judge.
	** a man, call him '''My Lord~~'' or ''~~Your Lordship~~'', and if~~
	** a woman, call her ''My Lady~~'' or ''~~Your Ladyship''.
	* Always be respectful to the judge and to everyone else in the courtroom, including the court clerk, the sheriff (if any), and the other party and counsel.		* Always be respectful to the judge and to everyone else in the courtroom, including the court clerk, the sheriff (if any), and the other party and counsel.
	* When speaking to a witness, use Mr., Ms., or Dr., followed by their surname, rather than the witness' first name (which is too casual).		* When speaking to a witness, use Mr., Ms., or Dr., followed by their surname, rather than the witness' first name (which is too casual).

	For more tips on conducting a trial in Supreme Court, see the Legal ~~Services Society~~'s Family Law website's information page [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 "If you have to go to court"], under the section "Trials in Supreme Court", and the step-by-step guide "Schedule and prepare for your Supreme Court trial".		For more tips on conducting a trial in Supreme Court, see the Legal Aid BC's Family Law website's information page [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 "If you have to go to court"], under the section "Trials in Supreme Court", and the step-by-step guide "Schedule and prepare for your Supreme Court trial".

	=== Costs and disbursements ===		=== Costs and disbursements ===
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	A party can ask the judge for a ruling on costs after the judge has delivered the decision.		A party can ask the judge for a ruling on costs after the judge has delivered the decision.

	For more information about costs, see the Legal ~~Services Society~~'s Family Law website's information page [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 "If you have to go to court"], under the section "Costs and expenses".		For more information about costs, see the Legal Aid BC's Family Law website's information page [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 "If you have to go to court"], under the section "Costs and expenses".

	==Resources and links==		==Resources and links==
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	* [https://www.bccourts.ca/supreme_court Supreme Court website]		* [https://www.bccourts.ca/supreme_court Supreme Court website]
	* [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2268 Justice Education Society website for BC Supreme Court]		* [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2268 Justice Education Society website for BC Supreme Court]
	* [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 Legal ~~Services Society~~'s Family Law website's information page "If you have to go to court"]		* [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 Legal Aid BC's Family Law website's information page "If you have to go to court"]
	** Under the section "Trials in Supreme Court" see "Coping with the court process", and "Preparing to attend a Supreme Court trial", and the information pages on sample questions to ask your own witnesses and on cross-examination of other witnesses		** Under the section "Trials in Supreme Court" see "Coping with the court process", and "Preparing to attend a Supreme Court trial", and the information pages on sample questions to ask your own witnesses and on cross-examination of other witnesses

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:39, 31 July 2019
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	#* Read Rule 14-7 carefully, and especially subsections (19) to (39) when it comes to witnesses.		#* Read Rule 14-7 carefully, and especially subsections (19) to (39) when it comes to witnesses.
	#* Are you certain your witnesses will show up? Should you be delivering a subpoena (in Form F23) by personal service more than 7 days in advance of when you want them to give testimony?		#* Are you certain your witnesses will show up? Should you be delivering a subpoena (in Form F23) by personal service more than 7 days in advance of when you want them to give testimony?
	#* Consider reading the part on "Witnesses giving evidence" in the Justice Education Society's guidebook, [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1498 Trials in Supreme Court], as well as the Legal Services Society's information page "[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 If you have to go to court]", in particular the portions on sample questions to ask your own witnesses and on cross-examination of other witnesses under the section "Trials in Supreme Court".		#* Consider reading the part on "Witnesses giving evidence" in the Justice Education Society's guidebook, [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1498 Trials in Supreme Court], as well as the Legal Services Society's information page [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 "If you have to go to court"], in particular the portions on sample questions to ask your own witnesses and on cross-examination of other witnesses under the section "Trials in Supreme Court."
	# '''Consider preparing a chronology:''' Each party should also consider preparing a chronology of important events such as the birth dates of each party and child, the date of cohabitation, the date of marriage, the date of separation, the date of divorce (if applicable), and the dates of any other significant events such as moves, job changes, promotions, inheritances, gifts, diagnoses, etc. for easy reference by the judge at trial. If you do prepare a chronology, be sure to bring copies for the judge, the other party (or their lawyer), and yourself.		# '''Consider preparing a chronology:''' Each party should also consider preparing a chronology of important events such as the birth dates of each party and child, the date of cohabitation, the date of marriage, the date of separation, the date of divorce (if applicable), and the dates of any other significant events such as moves, job changes, promotions, inheritances, gifts, diagnoses, etc. for easy reference by the judge at trial. If you do prepare a chronology, be sure to bring copies for the judge, the other party (or their lawyer), and yourself.
	# '''Consider preparing a Scott Schedule:''' If either party has a lawyer and division of property and debt is in dispute, then the lawyer will also prepare a ''Scott Schedule''. A Scott Schedule is a spreadsheet that lists all of the property and debt in issue, the value of each at various dates, and other useful information such as whether there are excluded property claims, that party’s position about what should happen with each property and debt, and the like. There is no requirement in the Supreme Court Family Rules that a Scott Schedule be prepared, but it is a useful reference tool at trial. If one party has a lawyer who prepares a Scott Schedule, the other party can review it carefully and make note of where that party disagrees with the information provided. If neither party have a lawyer and neither party prepares a Scott Schedule, the judge will likely use the parties’ financial statements as the main reference for financial information about property and debts.		# '''Consider preparing a Scott Schedule:''' If either party has a lawyer and division of property and debt is in dispute, then the lawyer will also prepare a ''Scott Schedule''. A Scott Schedule is a spreadsheet that lists all of the property and debt in issue, the value of each at various dates, and other useful information such as whether there are excluded property claims, that party’s position about what should happen with each property and debt, and the like. There is no requirement in the Supreme Court Family Rules that a Scott Schedule be prepared, but it is a useful reference tool at trial. If one party has a lawyer who prepares a Scott Schedule, the other party can review it carefully and make note of where that party disagrees with the information provided. If neither party have a lawyer and neither party prepares a Scott Schedule, the judge will likely use the parties’ financial statements as the main reference for financial information about property and debts.
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	#**Consider watching a trial, as observation of the real thing is often the best education. Trials are open to the public and are generally in session from 10:00am–12:30pm and from 2:00pm–4:00pm each day.		#**Consider watching a trial, as observation of the real thing is often the best education. Trials are open to the public and are generally in session from 10:00am–12:30pm and from 2:00pm–4:00pm each day.
	#*Engage in self-care leading up to trial, including ensuring that you get enough sleep, that you are eating healthily and getting regular exercise, and that you have the emotional support that you need to help you through this process (i.e. from family, a friend, or a counsellor).		#*Engage in self-care leading up to trial, including ensuring that you get enough sleep, that you are eating healthily and getting regular exercise, and that you have the emotional support that you need to help you through this process (i.e. from family, a friend, or a counsellor).
	#*For more tips on personal preparation to manage the trial process, see the Legal Services ~~Society of British Columbia’s~~ information page "[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 If I have to go to court]", and in particular the portions on "Coping with the court process", and "Preparing to attend a Supreme Court trial", both under the section on "Trials in Supreme Court".		#*For more tips on personal preparation to manage the trial process, see the Legal Services Society’s information page [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 "If I have to go to court"], and in particular the portions on "Coping with the court process", and "Preparing to attend a Supreme Court trial", both under the section on "Trials in Supreme Court".

	== Conducting the trial in Supreme Court ==		== Conducting the trial in Supreme Court ==
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	* When speaking to a witness, use Mr., Ms., or Dr., followed by their surname, rather than the witness' first name (which is too casual).		* When speaking to a witness, use Mr., Ms., or Dr., followed by their surname, rather than the witness' first name (which is too casual).

	For more tips on conducting a trial in Supreme Court, see the Legal Services Society's Family Law website's information page [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 "If you have to go to court"], under the section "Trials in Supreme Court" and the step-by-step guide "Schedule and prepare for your Supreme Court trial".		For more tips on conducting a trial in Supreme Court, see the Legal Services Society's Family Law website's information page [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 "If you have to go to court"], under the section "Trials in Supreme Court", and the step-by-step guide "Schedule and prepare for your Supreme Court trial".

	=== Costs and disbursements ===		=== Costs and disbursements ===
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	* [https://www.bccourts.ca/supreme_court Supreme Court website]		* [https://www.bccourts.ca/supreme_court Supreme Court website]
	* [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2268 Justice Education Society website for BC Supreme Court]		* [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2268 Justice Education Society website for BC Supreme Court]
	* [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 Legal Services Society's Family Law website's information page "If you have to go to court]":		* [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4649 Legal Services Society's Family Law website's information page "If you have to go to court"]
	** Under the section "Trials in Supreme Court" see "Coping with the court process", and "Preparing to attend a Supreme Court trial", and the information pages on sample questions to ask your own witnesses and on cross-examination of other witnesses		** Under the section "Trials in Supreme Court" see "Coping with the court process", and "Preparing to attend a Supreme Court trial", and the information pages on sample questions to ask your own witnesses and on cross-examination of other witnesses

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:54, 18 July 2019
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	# A list of the witnesses that party intends to call at trial, including each witness’ address and an estimate of the time that witness will be on the stand answering questions by that party,		# A list of the witnesses that party intends to call at trial, including each witness’ address and an estimate of the time that witness will be on the stand answering questions by that party,
	# A list of any expert reports that party intends to rely upon at trial,		# A list of any expert reports that party intends to rely upon at trial,
	# A list of the witnesses that party intends to cross examine and the time estimate for each,		# A list of the witnesses that party intends to cross-examine and the time estimate for each,
	# A list of any orders already made in the court proceeding which may affect the conduct of the trial,		# A list of any orders already made in the court proceeding which may affect the conduct of the trial,
	# A list of the documents and other exhibits that party intends to rely upon at trial,		# A list of the documents and other exhibits that party intends to rely upon at trial,
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	For each witness, prepare a list of the issues that you need them to speak about in their testimony. Then make a list of questions to ask and review with them before trial. For each witness, you will likely want to start with basic questions such as their full name, address, age and occupation, their education if relevant, and their relationship to the parties, and then move on to the focused areas of inquiry.		For each witness, prepare a list of the issues that you need them to speak about in their testimony. Then make a list of questions to ask and review with them before trial. For each witness, you will likely want to start with basic questions such as their full name, address, age and occupation, their education if relevant, and their relationship to the parties, and then move on to the focused areas of inquiry.

	You can only ask your witnesses open ended questions, meaning questions that do not suggest the answers (those types of questions are limited to cross examination of the other party’s witnesses).		You can only ask your witnesses open ended questions, meaning questions that do not suggest the answers (those types of questions are limited to cross-examination of the other party’s witnesses).

	==== Use of pre-trial examination or deposition ====		==== Use of pre-trial examination or deposition ====
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	Where an expert has been appointed by the court, a party wishing to cross-examine the expert at trial must serve notice on the expert and all parties. The notice is in [[Form F43 Notice to Cross-examine\|Form F43]] and must be served at least 28 days before the scheduled trial date.		Where an expert has been appointed by the court, a party wishing to cross-examine the expert at trial must serve notice on the expert and all parties. The notice is in [[Form F43 Notice to Cross-examine\|Form F43]] and must be served at least 28 days before the scheduled trial date.

	Preparing a cross examination of an expert is a lot like preparing for any other witness, except that it usually requires more specialized knowledge and therefore may require some research or even contacting another expert of a similar background for advice about areas of questioning.		Preparing a cross-examination of an expert is a lot like preparing for any other witness, except that it usually requires more specialized knowledge and therefore may require some research or even contacting another expert of a similar background for advice about areas of questioning.

	For each expert witness, prepare a list of the issues that you need them to speak about in their testimony. Then make a list of questions to ask and review the questions with the expert before trial if possible. You may have questions about their training and experience, about the process of information gathering they used to form their opinion, and the opinion itself.		For each expert witness, prepare a list of the issues that you need them to speak about in their testimony. Then make a list of questions to ask and review the questions with the expert before trial if possible. You may have questions about their training and experience, about the process of information gathering they used to form their opinion, and the opinion itself.
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	# '''Prepare an opening statement:''' This is a statement that is made at the beginning of each party’s case to give the judge some factual background about the case, an overview of the legal issues involved, and the positions taken/orders sought by that party. If the parties have reached agreement on any issues, this should be communicated to the judge during a party’s opening statement. If there are housekeeping issues (such as an expert witness only being available to testify on a specific date), such issues should be raised at this time as well. A party’s opening statement should be consistent with a party’s closing argument.		# '''Prepare an opening statement:''' This is a statement that is made at the beginning of each party’s case to give the judge some factual background about the case, an overview of the legal issues involved, and the positions taken/orders sought by that party. If the parties have reached agreement on any issues, this should be communicated to the judge during a party’s opening statement. If there are housekeeping issues (such as an expert witness only being available to testify on a specific date), such issues should be raised at this time as well. A party’s opening statement should be consistent with a party’s closing argument.
	# '''Update outline for closing submissions:''' Each party’s closing submissions should include a summary of the law on each issue, a description of each order sought by the party making the submissions, and a summary of the evidence that supports each order sought. If a party has made an extensive outline during their earlier trial preparation (as suggested above), this step is simplified. A party’s closing argument should be consistent with the party’s opening statement.		# '''Update outline for closing submissions:''' Each party’s closing submissions should include a summary of the law on each issue, a description of each order sought by the party making the submissions, and a summary of the evidence that supports each order sought. If a party has made an extensive outline during their earlier trial preparation (as suggested above), this step is simplified. A party’s closing argument should be consistent with the party’s opening statement.
	# '''Finalize preparation of direct examinations & cross examinations of witnesses:'''		# '''Finalize preparation of direct examinations & cross-examinations of witnesses:'''
	#* Read Rule 14-7 carefully, and especially subsections (19) to (39) when it comes to witnesses.		#* Read Rule 14-7 carefully, and especially subsections (19) to (39) when it comes to witnesses.
	#* Are you certain your witnesses will show up? Should you be delivering a subpoena (in Form F23) by personal service more than 7 days in advance of when you want them to give testimony?		#* Are you certain your witnesses will show up? Should you be delivering a subpoena (in Form F23) by personal service more than 7 days in advance of when you want them to give testimony?
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	#* Opening statement.		#* Opening statement.
	#* Direct examination of each witness that party intends to call (with each examination behind a separate tab).		#* Direct examination of each witness that party intends to call (with each examination behind a separate tab).
	#* Cross examination of each witness the other party intends to call (with each examination behind a separate tab).		#* Cross-examination of each witness the other party intends to call (with each examination behind a separate tab).
	#* List of read-ins (from examination for discovery, pre-trial examinations of witnesses, or depositions, if any).		#* List of read-ins (from examination for discovery, pre-trial examinations of witnesses, or depositions, if any).
	#* Final argument/closing submissions.		#* Final argument/closing submissions.