What do I say in court?
I. When you appear in court, listen carefully to the judge. Ask the judge’s permission before you speak.

II. You must stand when speaking to the judge, unless you are physically unable to or the judge allows you to remain seated.

III. When you speak to the judge, start by saying "Your Honor." Always speak directly to the judge, and speak loudly and clearly.

IV. Do not speak while other people are talking in court except when you want to object.

V. Do not shake your head or sigh loudly when you do not like what somebody else says. You will have your chance to talk.

VI. When it’s your turn to talk, stay calm and control your emotions as much as possible.

VII. Talk loudly enough for everyone to hear you. Remember the court reporter is making a written record of what you say, or the court’s recording device needs to pick up your voice.

VIII. Do not use slang terms such as “yeah” and “uh huh” because the court reporter and judge may have trouble interpreting what you mean.

IX. Don’t yell, make threatening gestures, or curse.

Show All Answers

1. What is a Master-in-Equity?
2. What is a Special Referee?
3. What is a note?
4. What is a mortgage?
5. What is a real estate foreclosure?
6. Has a foreclosure been filed against me?
7. Can I represent myself in a Foreclosure Action?
8. Can I represent my business in a Foreclosure Action?
9. If I decide to represent myself in court, will the judge make me follow the same rules as an attorney in the courtroom?
10. What should I expect on the day of my hearing?
11. What do I say in court?
12. Are there any additional things I need to know before I appear in court?
13. How can an attorney help me through the foreclosure process?
14. How do I get an attorney if I cannot afford one?
15. I was just served with a Foreclosure Summons and Complaint. Now what?
16. Why are there other Defendants named in my foreclosure lawsuit?
17. Do I need to answer the Foreclosure Summons and Complaint in writing if my lender and I are in the process of settlement?
18. What is Foreclosure Intervention?
19. How do I know if my loan qualifies for Foreclosure Intervention?
20. How does the foreclosure process work in South Carolina?
21. What is the Home Affordable Modification Program (also known as HMP or HAMP), and why is it important to the South Carolina foreclosure process?
22. What are some things I can do to prevent foreclosure?
23. How long can I stay in my home if a foreclosure action has been filed against me and I cannot afford the payments?
24. I am a tenant with a lease living in a home in foreclosure, what are my rights?
25. Should I contact the lender's attorney?
26. Should I attend the hearing or trial?
27. Do I need to move out of my home on the day of my foreclosure hearing?
28. Can I attend the foreclosure sale?
29. When are foreclosure sales held?
30. If the Court sells my house at a foreclosure sale, could I still owe the lender money?
31. What if my home sells for less than I owe?
32. The judge told me at the hearing that a deficiency has been demanded. What does this mean?
33. The judge told me at the hearing that the lender is waiving its right to a deficiency judgment against me. What does this mean?
34. Can I challenge a deficiency judgment?
35. What if my home sells for more than I owe?
36. Do I have the right to contact the judge or his staff to discuss my case?