At some point during your divorce, you’re going to need to appear in court – and what you choose to wear when you appear in front of the judge might impact the proceedings.
It’s common sense that if you’re trying to get sole custody of minor children, you shouldn’t wear a t-shirt that promotes illicit drug use with a pair of shredded jeans, but there are a few other things you need to know before you and your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer open the courtroom doors.
What Men Should Wear to Divorce Court
If you have a suit and tie, wear them. If you don’t, you can wear khakis or slacks and a button-down shirt. Anything you wear should be clean and well-maintained, but it doesn’t have to be new.
It’s never a good idea to wear jeans with holes, t-shirts or torn clothing when you appear in front of your judge. The court is a formal place, and things that are appropriate for everyday wear are often inappropriate for the courtroom. There are some things you should never wear in court, no matter why you’re appearing, including:
- Clothing with drug references or those that celebrate violence
- Shirts with obscenities or humorous slogans
- Shorts
- Sandals or flip-flops
Be aware, particularly if you and your attorney are going to argue that you cannot afford to pay spousal support or you need to look responsible during a child custody hearing, that you should:
- Leave expensive jewelry such as diamond earrings or flashy watches at home
- Trim your hair (including your facial hair)
- Make sure you’re well-groomed, including your fingernails
A good rule of thumb is to wear something that you could wear on a solemn occasion, such as to church or to a funeral. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to ask your lawyer – he or she has been to court several times and can let you know what’s most appropriate for your case.
