What Is Appropriate Clothing To Wear To Your Divorce Trial?

By Sara Pitcher

Cordell & Cordell Divorce Lawyer

When you are informed of a hearing date in your divorce case, it is likely that many thoughts go through your mind.

What will the hearing be like? What should I wear? Who will be there?

While there is no way to know the outcome of the hearing in advance, there are a few things you should know to put your mind at ease about your upcoming hearing.

Appropriate Dress

Deciding on the appropriate outfit to wear to court is important, but when you have so many other things to worry about, this may get put aside. Spend five minutes looking through your closet and select an outfit that is conservative and, at a minimum, business casual. For men, a suit is often desirable.

You also want to make sure you are comfortable in your outfit. You will want to focus on the hearing, not tugging at your clothes.

As always, you will want to make sure your clothes are the appropriate length and not too tight. Not only will this help make you more comfortable while sitting through the hearing, it will also make sure you are presenting yourself in a favorable light to the judge.

Through your outfit, you want to show that you appreciate and are showing the appropriate respect for the court.

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Layout of the Courtroom and Who Will Be There

The day of the hearing, you will walk in and sit at the table next to your attorney, if you have one. The other party will sit at a table with her attorney, if she has one.

The opposing party’s table will likely either be next to your table or at a table facing yours. The judge’s bench will likely be directly in front of you if both tables are side by side or located in the center of one side of the room and the tables will be facing toward the center of the room.

To one side of the judge, there is often a chair for witnesses to sit at while testifying and to the other is the seat belonging to the Court Reporter. This person will transcribe the hearings for the record.

In addition, there may be a seat for a bailiff, who will be present for the safety of the judge and court staff. In the audience, each party may bring family or friends to be present for support. There may also be people waiting for their hearing to begin after yours ends.