Testifying in a divorce hearing

[mtbr1981]

I am a third party involved in a divorce. I had an affair with the husband and during the time of our relationship he divulged information to me that would be of use to his wife in their divorce case. Our relationship has since ended and I am not vindictive in any manner. I was recently contacted by the man's wife and she asked if I would testify with the information that I have (i.e. financial information, he has denied our relationship in court as well). My predicament is that I do not wish to have my information (phone number, address and so on) available if I testify. There is also information about our relationship that I would not want to be made public record that would most likely come up in the hearing. My question is, can I give a statement but not be cross examined, and is there a way that I can only give information that I am willing to give and not answer questions that I don't want to go on the record? I would also like to know, if I do testify and I am cross examined, as a witness in the case would I be able to seal the file off and not have it available as public record? Thank you so much
-California

 

[Michael Wechsler]

Without knowing more, I'd say that you cannot provide testimony to the court without the other party having a reasonable opportunity to cross examine you. Your phone number and home address may not be necessary to have on the record, only your name and area you live. Understand that the ability to cross examine is critical otherwise one party gets free shots at the other without that party having the benefit of trying to show that the witness may be a liar or not telling an accurate account of the details.