Dress Code In Court Unspoken?
Protocol in court is basically uniform. Procedures are ironclad and everyone's dress, speech, and actions are scrutinized carefully. This critical eye is peering over all attendees from the court's first session to the final verdict and orders are read.
Some of these absolute rules are written and some are not. It is important to visit the courtroom of the judge who is going to preside over your case. This strategy will acquaint you with the battlefield. Observe everything, especially your judge and the unwritten dress code in court.
You are strategizing just as a military commander plan must plan spherically from all angles. It will not be enough to spill your guts completely to your lawyer. You will have to understand what to wear, what to say, and how to act in court.
Judges are spending very little time with your case with respect to the long term ramifications of his of her decision for you and your children. That is why your actions, speech, and dress code in court are so important. These aspects weigh very heavily in the minds of the decision makers now influencing your life.
Women should dress like mothers for court. Dressing to impress sexually will not bode favorably for you or your children. Skirt lengths should be knee-length in dark or muted colors. Your attire should reflect a parent who is capable of teaching their kids appropriate behavior.
Makeup should also be kept very light and jewelry should be modestly worn or not at all. This is definitely not a beauty contest. This is a parenting contest.
Likewise, your children must be presentable if they are going to testify. Their appearance reflects directly upon the custodial parent's ability to teach their children values. Hair should be the same length as it would be for school. Clothes should be neat and pressed. Teenagers may desire to exhibit some independence on this, but they must understand that the judge will want to know they are learning good hygiene and appearance.
Never send mixed messages of being broke and coming to court in designer dress. Also, pricey hand-held electronic gadgets in the hands of children attending court do not convey the correct message of a parent who needs money to feed the kids.
In the end, always be very careful to say what you want to say by paying very close attention to the way you say it. Everyone makes judgments based upon speech, dress, and actions. In court, you are in the fish bowl.
About the Author
Lil Lyon is passionate about kids having the best chance at life possible. She started:
http://www.forchildcustody.com
to help parents deal with the tragedy of divorce. Casualties in a divorce include the kids and Lil helps parents through the murky waters to win the best child custody plan for the sake of their kids. Learn how to begin your plan, choose a lawyer, what to expect in court, and more!
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