The Do's and Don'ts of Courtroom Conduct: What to Know Before Your Hearing

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Senior Judge, Deanne Darling, discusses courtroom etiquette that
everybody is expected to adhere to during their family law
hearing.


 


You should be aware of your court etiquette from the moment you
leave your house, to the moment you return. This includes your
behavior in the parking lot, in the lobby, how you treat the
courtroom staff, within the courtroom, and so on.


 


The most important thing to remember when deciding how to dress
is that the Judge will be looking for clean, respectable, and an
honest representation of who you are. You do not need to purchase
outfits that you will never wear again, but treat your hearing
like a job interview—practice good hygiene, dress in a
respectable manner, and avoid anything that might serve as a
distraction, such as heavy jewelry, nail colors, audible shoes
such as flip-flops, unprofessional t-shirts, heavily exposed
tattoos, chewing gum, etc. Avoid wearing any sort of hat if
possible, but if you must for health, religious or cultural
purposes, avoid hats with bills that could cover your face.


 


When addressing the Judge, refer to them as Your Honor. Never
approach the well without permission, and try to avoid
distracting behaviors, such as being overly fidgety, clicking a
pen, etc. It’s okay to express emotions appropriately, but try
your best to maintain control—it’s okay to ask for a short break
if you need a moment to compose yourself.


 


When inviting guests to attend a hearing, consider the message
they might convey to the judge, and how it will better your case.
Inviting support is okay, but they should understand the rules
and expectations of the court, and not serve as a distraction. As
a general rule of thumb, children should not be brought to court
hearings. 


 


If a restroom break is needed, or you need to consult with your
attorney or support network, it is okay to ask the Judge for a
short recess.


 


If you would like to speak with one of our family law attorneys
regarding your unique family law matter, please call our office
at (503) 227-0200 or visit our website at
https://www.landerholmlaw.com/ to schedule a free consultation.