Perhaps one of the most frustrating experiences as a family law attorney in West Virginia, is to be in court with a client who alienates the family law judge. I came across an article giving a list of sure-fire ways to make the judge not like you or your client. If you are going before a family law judge in West Virginia, whether it be a divorce case or custody case – or both, keep this in mind:

Judges are particularly annoyed by lawyers (and their clients) who:

ignore the rules of court;
fail to prepare;
arrive late;
repeat themselves;
act rudely;
make frivolous arguments;
mislead the court;
argue with the judge;
refuse to talk settlement; and
request a last-minute continuance;
allow your cell phone to ring while in court;
dress inappropriately;
interrupt other people who are speaking;
chew gum while in court;
bring a baby or child to court; and
generally act belligerently without proper decorum.

Source: “Sure-Fire Ways to Alienate the Trial Judge“, Excerpted from Convincing the Judge: Practical Advice for Litigators , by Cecil C. Kuhne III