Parents who would like to win child custody should ensure they are dressed appropriately for all court appearances. Appropriate dress may vary based on the parent's state of residence. Here are a few ideas about how to dress for a child custody appearance:
Appropriate Dress for Men at Child Custody Proceedings
Dads who would like to win child custody should ensure they are appropriately dressed for a child custody hearing. Examples of appropriate dress for men are:
- Dark suit
- Collared shirt
- Dress shoes
- Tie
Appropriate Dress for Women at Child Custody Proceedings
Moms who would like to win child custody should ensure that they make the best appearance during all child custody hearings. Some examples of appropriate dress for women are:
- Dark pants or a skirt suit
- Dress shoes/pumps
- Dark, non-patterned dress
- Pants with a long-sleeve shirt
Clothing Items to Avoid at a Child Custody Hearing
Parents who would like to win child custody should avoid wearing certain clothing items to court. Examples of clothing to avoid are:
- Short skirts (above the knee)
- Sleeveless shirts
- Sneakers
- Open-toe shoes (including flip-flops)
- Extremely tight or fitted clothing
Seasonal Exceptions
If a parent has a child custody proceeding during the summer, it may not make sense to wear an entire two or three piece suit. A parent can modify dress to suit the season. For example, you might forego a suit jacket in extreme heat. However, parents should use their best judgment prior to altering appropriate clothing items.
Parents who are concerned about dressing appropriately for a child custody proceeding should either seek advice from their legal counsel or visit a child custody proceeding in their state.