① WHEN THEY CALL YOUR NAME
SAY THIS
"Good afternoon, Your Honor. I was unable to retain private counsel for this matter. I respectfully request that the Court assign me an attorney, as I understand I face possible incarceration."
⚠ Stop. Wait for the judge.
② PRESENT THE CHECK
SAY THIS
"Your Honor, I have arranged a $20,000 payment toward my arrears. I wanted to demonstrate to the Court that my children are my priority."
⚠ That's it. Hand over the check. Say nothing else about it.
③ IF JUDGE QUESTIONS THE CHECK
ONLY IF ASKED
"The funds will be available on the 8th, Your Honor. I arranged this as quickly as I could."
④ IF ASKED "WHY CAN'T YOU PAY?"
ONLY IF ASKED
"Your Honor, I previously filed for bankruptcy. My home is in foreclosure. My electricity was shut off. I owe over $2 million. I have not been unwilling — I have been unable."
⑤ IF THEY BRING UP TRAVEL OR LIFESTYLE
ONLY IF ASKED
"Your Honor, I would prefer to address that with the assistance of counsel."
⑥ IF ASKED ABOUT INCOME
ONLY IF ASKED
"Approximately $20,000 per month from a rental property. My debts and obligations significantly exceed that."
⑦ IF ASKED ABOUT BUSINESSES
ONLY IF ASKED
"I have a small marketing company. It is not currently profitable."
⑧ IF ASKED ABOUT PROPERTIES
ONLY IF ASKED
"They are all in foreclosure. They are liabilities, not assets."
⑨ IF ASKED "WHY DON'T YOU HAVE A LAWYER?"
ONLY IF ASKED
"Given my financial circumstances, retaining private counsel was not feasible, Your Honor."
⑩ ANY QUESTION YOU'RE NOT SURE ABOUT
"Your Honor, I would like to consult with an attorney before answering that."
★ MASTER ANSWER — WORKS FOR EVERYTHING
"I am not choosing other things over my children. I am in financial crisis. Everything I do is to try to meet my obligations to them."
🚫 NEVER SAY
✕ "She doesn't let me..."
✕ "It's not fair..."
✕ "I can explain..."
✕ Anything about Colombia
✕ Anything about passports or custody
✕ Anything attacking her
✕ "I'm in bankruptcy" (say "previously filed")
✕ Details about the check or where money came from
✕ Business names or details
📋 CHECKLIST
☐ $20,000 check
☐ All court papers
☐ Foreclosure notice if you have it
☐ ConEd bill if you have it
☐ 11:30 AM · Floor 2 · Room 212
☐ Phone on silent
☐ Clean dress · no flash