There are a number of final steps to prepare for a family law trial:

# '''Prepare Book of Authorities.''' This is a bound volume of the law that you intend to rely on at trial and should include copies of any statutes, regulations, and case law (which are collectively called ''authorities'') you intend to rely on at trial. Each authority should be placed behind a separate tab and you will need an index listing each authority and its corresponding tab for easy reference during the trial. You will need to make enough copies for the judge, yourself, and every other party (or their lawyer if they have one).

# '''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.