Divorce court etiquette might not seem like a big deal, however, first impressions are important. Being respectful and well-mannered might set the stage for a positive experience with your divorce proceedings. It never hurts to know the appropriate manners for any situation, especially one as formal as a court of law. Dress appropriately and respectfully. Be on time, or better yet, early. Nothing sets a worse tone than arriving disheveled and late. Be respectful of the judge, and also the other people in the courtroom. And finally, stay calm even when you are dealing with emotional topics. Following proper etiquette might seem like a small detail but it’s best to put your best foot forward when it comes to the courtroom.
Divorce Court Etiquette You Should Be Aware Of
Dress Appropriately
Make a good first impression of divorce court etiquette by dressing appropriately. For men, this means a suit or slacks and a button-down. For women, a professional dress, pantsuit, or slacks and blouse combination. Keep your hairstyle neat and professional-looking, and keep facial hair trim. There’s a place for showing your unique style with your clothing, but divorce court is not it.
Be On-Time
Another way to set the stage right with divorce court etiquette is to be on time. It’s best to arrive ahead of schedule. You’ll often need to contend with downtown traffic, parking, and security measures. Budget in extra time for figuring out your way around the courthouse and going through a metal detector. Arriving early will give you a chance to gather your thoughts. Arriving late and in a tizzy will leave you feeling stressed and does not make a good first impression.
Be Respectful
Another aspect of divorce court etiquette that is very important is to be respectful. When addressing the judge, use the term ”Your Honor.” Everybody should stand as the judge enters. Also, make sure to be respectful of everybody else in court by listening quietly and turning off your phone.
Stay Calm
Finally, another part of divorce court etiquette is to stay calm and collected. Only speak if somebody asks you a question directly. Answer as calmly as you can, without getting overly emotional. It’s easy to feel emotional in this situation, but the more collected you can be, the better. Answer clearly and make eye contact. The more level-headed you appear, the better off you will be.
Divorce court etiquette is an important part of the divorce process. It might seem like a small detail, but getting off on the wrong foot can affect your divorce. Show respect for the court by dressing professionally and appropriately. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to get to court, and budget in an extra half hour to make sure you are on time. Be respectful to the judge and also the rest of the court. And finally, be calm and collected. It’s a very emotional thing to go through, but you will make the best impression if you stay cool under pressure. Hopefully, you will be able to make a great impression and have a divorce that is as stress-free as possible.