Understanding the Importance of Who Tells the Story
I’m going to tell you about a big mistake I see lawyers make quite often—and how it can be devastating to a case. It’s also an insight into why your choice of lawyer is so important.
Hi, I’m Tulsa Dads.Law attorney Clint Hastings. I practice here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I focus on fathers’ rights, and this is my 25th year in practice.
Strategy in Protective Order Cases
Now, I’m not claiming this is a secret to other lawyers, but I rarely see it done. I learned this a long time ago from a mentor, and it’s something great trial lawyers throughout history have also emphasized—knowing who should tell the story at trial.
Let’s say you’re in a protective order case. The wife claims there was an altercation or harassment, and you’re denying it—saying she exaggerated or fabricated parts of it. So, who should tell the story first? Should it be you, where you get up and say, “Here’s what really happened”? Or should it be her, and then you respond with your version?
Effective Cross-Examination
The answer is I should tell the story first—through her, on cross-examination.
When I cross-examine an opposing party, I get to ask questions in the form of statements and have them confirm or deny them. That’s where you see the lawyer saying, “You went to the store, correct? You went home, correct? You called your husband then, right?” I’m the one telling the story, and the witness is simply agreeing, disagreeing, or clarifying.
Call for a Consultation
Give Tulsa men’s family law attorney Clint Hastings a call at 918-962-0900 if you need a consultation for your protective order case or any family law matter.
