lawfag here
gave up my license because of this
best advice i can give is stay cool
make them spend time and money to get their way
file papers to doc your position and always keep a copy of everything
be friendly with court staffers one on one
ask them for help very nicely/privately
many will if they are not "seen" doing it
they understand your issues but they cannot admit it
take your time
do not let them hurry or bully you ever
be polite but ask questions of the court
they will notice how you dd things that could come back to bite them
you cannot beat the system in one court case esp your own case
live to fight another day