hi Claire, i have been to a few and they are nowhere near as bad when you get there. the families representation will ask questions and all you can do is answer honestly as the facts suggest. this may not always be favorable to the LA but your priority is the tribunal and helping them make an informed decision. the panel will make sure the family lawyer/barrister is compliant with etiquette and not rude or aggressive. i have experienced a number of times when cases have been settled outside of the courtroom and have never been heard by the tribunal, which can be really anticlimactic and from experience, this causes me more upset than actually going in.
i hope it goes well.