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How to handle it — getting through the legal grind

Court, lawyers, waiting — what to do when it's wearing you down.

You're due in court and the nerves are through the roof.

Right now

  • Breathe and slow down. You've prepared; now you only have to turn up and be straight.
  • Get there early, dress tidy, phone off. Small controllables steady the nerves.
  • Have one support person there if you can. You shouldn't face it alone.

Don't

  • Don't go in hungover or running on no sleep — it'll cost you on the day.

Later

  • Whatever the result, it's one day in a longer road. Line up support for after.

More on this → Men & the legal system

The legal grind: the short version

  1. 1.Court day: early, tidy, a support person, be straight.
  2. 2.Waiting? Box it into 'admin time', live your life.
  3. 3.One deadline at a time, on a calendar.
  4. 4.Never send a hot message — it gets used.
  5. 5.Free help: Legal Aid / LawAccess in your state.
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