Can I object when I am on the stand?

[RachelMarie]

Currently, I am going through another custody battle for my younger brother and sister. I have had custody of them since late 2002 and our "mother" is trying to get custody of them, once again.

During the last trial, I was representing myself, as I am doing for this one. My question is:

If her attorney asks me a question while I am testifying that is completely irrelevant to the case or not within the scope, am I allowed to object or refuse to answer the question based on these reasons?

The last trial, while I was on stand, her attorney asked me questions about my own children such as, "Do you have two children from two different fathers?" and "Are either of the fathers in their lives?" Even though my children have nothing to do with this case, she threw in that cheap shot. I answered both questions, but when I tried to explain the circumstances she replied with, "This is a yes or no question". She attempted to make me look like a ***** on the stand (even though she knows the circumstances) but would not let me explain that my daughter's father is dead and when my son's father returned from Iraq, he was different and walked away from us. Her attorney does not hide her contempt for me, but has no problems representing my "mother" who is still an addict.

I do not want to be ambushed this round. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Yes you can say i object to that as irrelevant, prejudicial, whatever your grounds.

The judge will tell you if you may indeed not answer or if you must answer.

[Phillip Inkel]

I believe you could of brought out your further explanations of your circumstances in your own self cross examination.

[RachelMarie]

I wasn't even aware that I could even cross-examine myself...how would I go about doing that?

P.S. Thank you to the two people who answered my question. I do appreciate it.

[Phillip Inkel]

You are welcome. What I might do is take notes first of all and make sure you do not miss a beat. Slow down things if you have to, call a time out and or motion the court to have the reporter read back the testimony. This will keep them from shocking and blindsiding you. When you are done giving testimony to them I would request a break to compose myself for cross examination. Think about your testimony, review your notes, any thing bother you? any thing feel unfair? feel like they didn't bring out the whole truth then its up to you to figure out whats been left out or misconstrued and set the record straight. Take your time and dont let them intimidate you into believing you don't have any. It is your'e Right to present a defense and all facts relevant to the evidence and testimony that the court is going to hear for adjudication of the case. Yeah and prepare yourself on paper or laptop or both with questions for yourself to fully explain the truth as you know it.