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New Hampshire And Massachusetts

Dress appropriately for a child custody case

On Behalf of | Mar 27, 2023 | Family Law

In many New Hampshire divorce cases, one parent seeks sole custody of the children. A parent facing this type of situation wants to prepare ahead of time to have the best chance of obtaining a favorable ruling. What many people do not realize is that how they dress for child custody proceedings may have either a positive or negative impact on the judge.  

When a parent is trying to win custody, the goal should be to make a positive impression in court. Family court judges are used to analyzing situations and assessing the attitudes, appearance and behavior of people who appear before them. There are several things to keep in mind when deciding what to wear for child custody proceedings. 

Demonstrate fitness as a parent 

A judge overseeing custody proceedings in a divorce has the children’s best interests in mind when making decisions. Any parent who wants to convince a judge that the children would fare best under his or her full-time care will want to show confidence, maturity, respectfulness and competence in court. The style of clothing selected should reflect these attributes. Avoid wearing anything too tight or too baggy and consider choosing clothing that would be appropriate at a business meeting.  

Hair should be neatly groomed, flat-heeled shoes are best, and skirts should be to the knee or longer. A courtroom is not the place to show off a personal flare, so it is best to steer clear of over-accessorizing or wearing trendy styles, such as ripped jeans or a shirt with a slogan on it. A parent can also check the website of the New Hampshire court hearing the case to see if there is a posted dress code. A parent may also consult a family law attorney for guidance on all issues, including any hesitation about what to wear for child custody proceedings.