How To Obtain a Copy of Your Divorce Trial Transcript
You can appeal the decision of the trial judge if you have a copy of your divorce trial transcripts.In the past, a court reporter used a stenograph machine to take down trial testimony in shorthand.The court reporter would translate the shorthand into English.The courts use electronic sound recordings instead of court reporters.To get a transcript of a sound recording, you need to hire someone to do it.
Step 1: Do you know your court reporter?
You need to order trial transcripts directly from the court reporter.He or she will have to make a transcript so that you can read it.You can find your court reporter by looking for the business card.You have to hire the court reporter yourself in some courts.You have to check to see who you hired.Ask your ex-spouse's attorney if the other side was responsible for arranging the court reporter.Call the court reporter.A court reporter is assigned to the courtroom in some states.To find out the name, you will need to call the court reporter.You can check it online.The court reporter is listed on the judicial calendar.You can check your court website.
Step 2: Request the transcripts be made.
Ask the court reporter for transcripts.The court reporter may have a form you need to fill out.You may need to write a letter.The judge's name, the county where the case was held, and the exact dates of the proceeding are what you should include in your letter.
Step 3: Do you know how long it takes to prepare the transcript?
The amount of time it takes to make a transcript varies.The reporter should prepare the transcript within a week in some courts and 60 days in other courts.You should ask how long it will take.If you want to file your appeal, you need to meet deadlines.If the transcript is not prepared in time for you to write your brief, you should talk to your attorney.
Step 4: You have to pay upfront.
You will usually be asked to pay before the transcripts are created.Some court reporters won't accept checks, so you should discuss acceptable methods of payment.
Step 5: The transcript should be reviewed.
You should check the transcripts for errors once you receive them.Anything that seems wrong should be highlighted.Sometimes court reporters make small mistakes, but sometimes they don't capture the substance of what someone said.You should be aware of the common notations made by court reporters.When they can't confirm how to spell a name, they use "(Phonetic)".If multiple people were talking at the same time, the court reporter might use "indiscernible."
Step 6: If there are errors, contact your lawyer.
Correcting errors in the trial transcripts can be done in different states.You can submit a sheet of corrections directly to the court reporter in some states.You have to file a motion with the court if you want the transcript corrected.If you find errors, don't delay.The transcript will be settled if you wait too long.If you find errors in the trial transcript, you should immediately consult with your lawyer.He or she will know how to correct them.If you don't have a lawyer, you can ask the court reporter how to make changes.
Step 7: The court may have made an electronic recording.
A court reporter does not sit and take down testimony in some courts.The courts electronically record what was said.Electronic recording is used in many New York City family courts.
Step 8: The court should be given information.
The court needs an electronic recording.Tell the court clerk that you want a copy.You will need to give the following information: your name, address, and phone number, as well as the name of the judge or referee who heard the case.
Step 9: Make a list of why you need the recording.
To get a copy of the electronic recording for your appeal, you will need to have it transcribed into a written form.Judges don't listen to a sound recording.You will probably have to use a court-approved service to make the transcript.You could use the recording as an exhibit in a different case.You could hire your own transcriptionist to make a transcript.
Step 10: You can choose a transcription service.
If your court has a list of court-approved transcription services, check it out.Before choosing a service, make sure to call several and ask how long it will take them to make the transcript.The rate is per page.Payment methods that are acceptable.What the price is if they have a rush service.
Step 11: It's a good idea to pay upfront.
The transcriptionist wants you to pay before they start.You should use an acceptable method of payment such as a credit card or money order.Check with the person who transcribed it.
Step 12: Take a look at the transcript.
Look for errors.Contact the transcriptionist if you have a question about how something was transcribed.You should be able to listen to the recording and double-check it.Contact your attorney if you find errors.The person will know how to change the transcript.
Step 13: Call your lawyer.
If your lawyer asked for a copy of the transcript, you can request it from him or her.The easiest way to get a copy will be this.You may have hired a new attorney.The transcript can be obtained from your old lawyer.
Step 14: The transcript should be copied for a fee.
Depending on your fee agreement, your lawyer can charge you for copying.Lawyers charge for photocopies.Take out your fee agreement to see how much it costs.It's possible that you want a copy of everything else in your file.At the same time, request that if you do.
Step 15: Pick up the transcript.
Pick up the transcript along with the other information in your file.Your lawyer will need a lot of information in order to put together the best appeal.