Family Law

Darren W. Hatfield left his divorce hearing by slamming open a courtroom door, and it earned him a month in the slammer.

The 40-year-old Marlette man's bad manners on Thursday morning offended Tuscola County Circuit Court Judge Patrick R. Joslyn, who sent Hatfield to jail for 30 days for rude behavior.

After Hatfield made his noisy exit from the venerable courtroom by shoving open a wooden door, bailiff Richard Harrington detained him and brought him back before the judge.

''I don't know what your problem is, Mr. Hatfield. Why do you have to exhibit this kind of behavior?'' Joslyn asked.

''I was under the impression, sir, that I would have a chance to ... speak my piece in this (divorce) matter,'' Hatfield replied.

''You will,'' Joslyn said. ''I'll sentence you to 30 days in the county jail. You're in direct contempt of court. ... We'll make sure you'll get a chance to speak your piece in your divorce proceedings.''

Hatfield and his estranged wife, Deborah K. Hatfield of Clifford, appeared before Joslyn on Thursday morning in an attempt to reach a judgment outlining details of their divorce.

The couple failed to reach an agreement, however, after Deborah Hatfield refused to pay her husband $20,000 in return for her ownership of the couple's home. ''I do not want to walk away from this marriage with nothing,'' Darren Hatfield told the judge, minutes before Hatfield loudly left the court. Deborah Hatfield told the judge she didn't want to pay $20,000 to her husband when the couple's debt exceeds the value of their home.

A Circuit Court official said Joslyn jailed Hatfield to send a message to those who show disrespect in the courtroom. It's not the first time someone has shoved open the courtroom door with a thud, the official said. The judge also ordered Hatfield to pay $200 in fines and costs. Harrington also made Hatfield open and close the door - politely - before hauling him back into court to face the judge, the official said.

This lesson in courtroom decorum brought to you by The Bay City Times.