Witness planning
Identify which facts actually need a witness and who has first-hand knowledge. A witness should not be called simply to repeat what another witness can already prove.
Documents and exhibits
Organize documents early and confirm how they can be authenticated and admitted. Discovery and document-production obligations should already have identified many of the records relied on at trial.
Affidavit evidence at trial
The Family Rules allow the court to authorize evidence-in-chief by affidavit. Where that procedure is used, the Rules set advance service and cross-examination-notice requirements, including a 28-day service period and a 14-day notice period unless the court orders otherwise.
Experts are separate
Expert opinion evidence has its own Rule 13-6 requirements and deadlines. Do not treat an ordinary factual witness as an expert or assume a professional letter automatically qualifies as expert evidence.
Cost planning
Witness preparation, subpoenas, experts and trial time can be major cost drivers. A focused witness list is usually more efficient than calling everyone connected to the dispute.