If you are involved in a contested divorce, you will probably have to appear in court. Wearing the proper attire is a way of showing respect for the proceedings and the Court, since you and your lawyer will be presenting your case in front of a judge. If you have never been to court before, you may be wondering what to wear. Below are a few guidelines for choosing what to wear to court.

Proper Attire for a Court Hearing

Men should wear dress slacks and a collared shirt. A suit is unnecessary. Conservative shoes, as opposed to open toed footwear or sneakers should also be worn. Avoid t-shirts, jeans, shorts, or sneakers.

Similarly, women do not have to wear a suit or dress formally. However, they should wear either a skirt or slacks with a conservative top, and avoid tank tops, plunging necklines, tight jeans, or shorts. Conservative shoes should also be worn, as opposed to sneakers or heeled boots.

What to Do If You Have Piercings and Tattoos

Courts are usually conservative environments, so it is best to cover up or minimize the display of tattoos. If you have a tongue, cheek, nose, lip, eyebrow, or any other facial piercing, remove it for the appearance. Jewelry (including earrings), should be conservative, and not distracting. The Court should be listening to you and your lawyer, not looking at distracting piercings or tattoos.

When it comes to tattoos, your lawyer may recommend wearing long sleeves if you have prominent tattoos on your arms that would be distracting. If there are any visible tattoos with inappropriate words or images on your neck, face, or hands that are difficult to conceal, it may be advisable to use a concealer. While there is nothing wrong with tattoos, they can be a distraction. You want the Judge or jury to focus on your case, not your ink. Perception, whether you agree or not, is important.

If you're heading to a divorce hearing, it's wise to dress appropriately to make an impactful impression. Since 1981, Thomas A. Corletta, Attorney & Counselor at Law has provided quality legal advice and effective representation to clients throughout the Rochester, NY, area. This lawyer will give you some tips if you are unsure what to wear, and he will advocate your case to the best of his abilities. Visit his website for more on his family law services or call (585) 546-5072 to schedule a consultation.