How shoul I dress for court?

Question

I will be representing myself for court. Should I do the suit ? or white shirt and tie ? or what color shirt and pants. Please advise. Its the custody for my son against my ex wife.

Answer 1

Tips for Your Day in Court
1. Don't Miss Your Court Date. Court is not an appointment that can be missed or rescheduled. If you miss your court date (including being late) for a criminal case or contempt matter, a warrant may be issued for your arrest. If the hearing is not a criminal matter, you will likely lose the case by default. If you have a serious reason why you cannot go to court on the assigned day, call the Judge's clerk. Usually you need to file papers requesting a change, or get the other side to agree to change the date.
If you are the defendant or respondent in a case (someone else started the case) and you agree with the other side's requests or don't have any defense, you may think there is no point in going to court. Not going can be dangerous because you might not fully understand everything that can or will be ordered in your absence. It is best to get legal advice before deciding not to go to the hearing.
2. Allow Plenty of Time to Get to Court. You should arrive at the courtroom 30 minutes before your hearing time. Consider the traffic, weather, parking, frequency of the bus or light rail, and allow plenty of extra time. You may need to wait in lines for weapons screening, and finding the correct building and courtroom can take time. Being late can make you anxious and unable to do your best. The hearing might last longer than you think, so parking at a meter is not a good idea.
3. Bring your files. You should have a file with copies of all papers you and the other side have filed with the court, or given to each other. Bring a notepad and pens for taking notes during the hearing.
4. Bring an outline of what you want to say. As you cover each point, check it off. Before you conclude, look back to see if you covered each point. The Judge will only want to hear information that is needed to evaluate the requests made in the court papers.
Practice explaining your claim to a friend. If your friend doesn't understand you or find your argument convincing, think about how to improve your presentation.
5. Bring your evidence. Sometimes a court hearing is a trial where you bring all your witnesses and evidence. Other times the hearing has a different purpose. Read all notices and orders you received about the hearing carefully. If you are not sure what will happen at a hearing, or you are not sure what to bring to the hearing, get help right away. You can call court administration or the Judge's clerk. There are limits on how much they can help you, but you can start there. If you come to the hearing unprepared, you could lose your case or be fined. However, coming unprepared is better than not coming at all.
If you are supposed to bring evidence and witnesses to the hearing, bring everything. If you have documents or pictures, bring the original item and 2 copies (original for the court, one copy for you, one copy for the other side.) Ask your witnesses to arrive early and dress nicely. Some documents can't be used as evidence unless the right person is in the courtroom to explain the document and answer questions about it. There are many rules about evidence. (See MN Rules of Evidence.) You may want to talk to a lawyer about what evidence you need and how to make sure your evidence can be considered by the judge or jury.
6. Dress nicely. Wear conservative clothing. Shorts, T-shirts, plunging necklines, and torn clothing are not appropriate. Lawyers are required to wear suits. You do not have to buy new clothing for court, but remember it is a formal place and you want to be conservative and respectful in dress and behavior.
7. Do not bring children. Unless the court has told you to bring your children to the hearing, make arrangements for someone to take care of your children.
8. Proper conduct in the courtroom. Certain behaviors are not allowed because they are noisy, distracting or disrespectful. You cannot: chew gum, eat, read a newspaper, sleep, wear a hat, listen to earphones, carry a cell phone or pager unless it's turned off, have a camera or camera phone, or carry a weapon.
During the hearing you should listen carefully, ask permission of the Judge to speak, talk directly to the judge and not the other side, avoid arguing with or interrupting another person, and control your emotions. When you talk to the Judge, start by saying "Your Honor". Speak loudly and clearly and remember that only one person can speak at a time. A court reporter is taking down everything said in the courtroom, and can only record one speaker at a time.
9. Before you leave court make sure you understand what happens next. Do you need to come back for another court hearing? Do you need to prepare a written legal argument or proposed court order?Do you need to take other steps or actions? Will the Judge make an order as a result of the hearing? Sometimes orders are written up right away - as you wait. Or, the judge may think about the case and write an order later and send it in the mail. Politely ask questions if you do not understand what will happen next.

Answer 2

Wear the best clothes you feel comfortable in.

You are there as a good father, not a CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

The judge will take some lenience because what is "best clothes" varies by walk of life. We don't know about you, but don't try to suddenly look and act like something you are not used to - that will surely be visible to the judge and opposing attorneys. The other attorneys will eat you up if you overdo it.

I would start with khaki slacks, even if they come from Target, and a light blue oxford shirt at the least. Make sure your shoes and belt match - either black or brown is OK. No white socks :)

If you can put a sport jacket or blazer over that, you are good to go. Go with a conservative an not bright color (navy blue or dark grey), and a muted tie only if you are comfortable with ties, skip the ties if not comfortable.

Speaking of "opposing attorneys" though, why are you representing yourself? As they say, " he who represents himself has a full for a client".

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi,

You need to dress wear a suit, either gray or black. If you wear a black suit then a white, gray or blue shirt with a tie would be appropriate. If you wear the gray suit, then a gray shirt, black shirt, white shirt would be okay with a tie.

Make sure you wear shoes no sneakers, clean cut and shave.
Only wear a watch and maybe a small ring on your finger. No big jewelry or chains. If you have a chain and cross wear it on the inside.

I know you will be nervous, follow the directions of the court officers, law clerk for the judge and the judges instruction. Keep your temper and remember the judge will give you time to speak. Always look at the judge not your ex wife and direct all your questions and answers to the judge.

Get to court early and check in with the court clerk,

Good Luck

Answer 4

Like you were going to the biggest, most important job interview of your life, which, in this case, you are. A nice suit or maybe something like a navy sport coat and khaki slacks. Yes, where a tie. The shirt doesn't have to be white, but the whole outfit shouldn't be too flashy. Think corporate business setting as opposed to night club. Good luck!

Answer 5

First impressions are everything, so yes, make sure you look presentable. the only time you can get away without is if you're a lead singer in a well known heavy metal band or so on. BUT even when Frank Zappa was called to arms and to speak up about the censorship of words, well he dressed up to show that he too has a brain and basically shut everyone else down with what he spat out! So yes, dress to impress, always!

Answer 6

definitely go with the suit and tie. You want to give the judge the impression you are mature and responsible (which I assume you are).

If you can, try to dress like you are the CEO of a fortune 500 company (without having to spend the money). Best of luck, I hope you win.

As for a suit color, go with blue, it's a power color. If you have to buy one ask the sales person they can advise you on the best colors and combos.

Answer 7

A dark, conservative suit and a white or pinstripe shirt with a dark tie would give the best impression. Oh, and shiny shoes.

You can buy a great looking suit for a good price at Men's Warehouse.

Best of luck. I hope you win.

Answer 8

Come in dressed appropriately on time. I would wear a suit but not too fancy so you do not look like you have money. You could also wear nice pants, Khaki and a blue shirt. What happens depends on your Judge, so know your Judge.

Answer 9

Dress respectfully. Take your cue from attorneys. Wear a suit, nice shirt and tie. Make sure your hair looks nice too. Your son is definitely worth it.

I know we like to tell ourselves that you can't judge a book by its cover, but the truth is that first impressions count A LOT. Ask anyone who is dating or looking to hire a caregiver for their children.

Answer 10

You are on the right track for asking this. I've seena lot of guys come into the court room having made BAD decisions about their appearance.

Proper dress demonstrates you take the judical process seriously and professionally.

WHere conservative dress clothes. White or Blue shirt. Button down with a collar. A conservative tie (no looney tunes or picture ties.

Conservative slacks with a belt and dress shoes. No purple slacks, no jeans.

Black/brown shoes...simple and conservative. No tennish shoes. No shiny patent leather shoes.

No one expects you to have fancy dress clothes. Dress nice and conservative and carry yourself professionally.

Answer 11

Your appearance will make a first impression, and that is all.

Once the testimony starts, you will be judged on what you say and how you act. I would not spend a whole lot of time worrying about how I look, I would concentrate on what I'm going to say.

Just look neat and professional, you can't go wrong with a classic dark suit with a white shirt.