A Trial is an Evidentiary Hearing (hearing that involves witness testimony, exhibits, etc). Although most cases settle, it is at times, necessary and unavoidable to go to trial. The Petitioner (the spouse who initiated the Divorce) submits his or her evidence in the form of testimony and exhibits. After the Petitioner is done with his or her case, the Respondent (the responding party) submits his or her case through testimony and exhibits. Either side can call expert witnesses (for example custody evaluators, financial experts, mental health professionals, etc.). Each side has the opportunity to cross-examine or to ask questions of the witness that the other party submits. Once both sides finish with the presentation of his/her case, the Judge who listens to the testimony and accepts certain evidence into the record, has ninety (90) days from the close of the record to issue a written decision.
Once the Judge issues a written decision, the decision is final. If one party does not agree with the decision, they have the option to either ask for certain Post-Decree relief or/and file an Appeal with the Court of Appeals.
