The Rising Beyond Podcast
If you're trying to protect your children while navigating an abusive ex, this podcast is for you. Because leaving the relationship didn't end the abuse, and no one prepared you for what came next.
The Rising Beyond Podcast is for protective mothers navigating the overwhelming reality of sharing children with someone who continues patterns of manipulation, coercive control, or emotional abuse after separation. Join Sybil Cummin, licensed professional counselor, who has spent the last decade helping survivors and their children navigate this incredibly difficult chapter. Every week, we share trauma-informed education, nervous system insights, protective parenting strategies, and honest conversations about family court, post-separation abuse, and healing, so you can feel more confident, more grounded, and better equipped to protect both your children and yourself.
Whether you're in the middle of family court, struggling with parenting alongside someone who continues patterns of control, or simply trying to become the parent you want to be after everything you've survived, you'll find validation, practical guidance, and hope here.
The Rising Beyond Podcast
Ep 53: Tips for Testifying in Family Court
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Testifying in court is an extremely overwhelming and scary experience, especially when you are testifying against your abusive ex-partner.
In this episode, I share some tips on things to do before, during, and after a hearing where you will need to testify in family court.
Before you show up to court, make sure you have:
- Organized documentation
- Practiced with your attorney/divorce coach/therapist
- Practiced self-regulation and grounding skills
- Set up your support network and have them on standby
- Planned a comfortable outfit that shows respect to the court
- Snacks, water, money in the bag you will bring to court
The day of court
- Show up early, 30 minutes before your scheduled time
- Walk in with a support person
- Double check you do not have anything that cannot go through security
- Use the restroom
Testifying
- Take a breath/count to 3
- Listen carefully to what is asked and answer accordingly (ie. if a yes or no question, answer with yes or no)
- Trust your attorney to tell the story
- Talk about observations, not labels
- Bring a small object as an anchor
- Do NOT lie on the stand
After
- Walk out with a support person or your attorney
- Schedule a time to process with attorney and/or therapist
- Safety plan if needed
Extra links:https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/family-court-checklist
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
Text START to 88788
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