What To Wear To Family Court: A Guide When You Attend
If you have never attended court before, you may not have a clue what to expect. When you are on court premises, you must follow specific rules regarding behavior and attire, including restrictions on electronic devices and prohibited items. Courthouse security procedures are in place, similar to airport screenings, so it is important to arrive early to allow time for security screening. Here are a few basic tips on what to do when you attend court, including guidance on what to wear to court to ensure you make a respectful impression.
Dress respectfully
You do not have to wear a corporate suit; however, ensure that you are dressed for the occasion.
For men, I would recommend a suit if you have one; if not, trousers, a clean, ironed shirt tucked in, a blazer, and leather shoes will do.
For women, a skirt or pants and a blouse or long-sleeved dress with neat shoes, whether heeled or flat.
Do not wear singlets, jeans, t-shirts, T-shirts with slogans or images, thongs, sneakers, or hats. Hats or head coverings should be removed unless worn for religious reasons. It is a court, so you should dress appropriately, just as you would if you were going to a job interview, church, or a wedding.
Get to the court early
Lots of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia have interview rooms outside the courtrooms. If you get there early, you will be able to reserve one of these for the day. This gives you privacy, and you will not have to see your former partner until going into the court. Whenever we attend court with our clients, we get there super early for this very reason.
Finding the right courtroom
When you arrive at court for your family law matter, your first step is to find the right courtroom. Check the court list displayed in the foyer or near the entrance—this list shows case names and courtroom numbers for each court date. If you cannot locate your name or are unsure where to go, visit the court registry and ask the court staff for help. Let the court officer know you have arrived; they will direct you to the correct courtroom and answer any questions about where to sit or what to expect.
If you have mobility issues or need assistance, inform the court staff—they are there to help ensure everyone can access the court safely. Remember, a support person can attend court with you, but they must sit quietly in the public gallery and cannot join you at the bar table. Always dress appropriately for court, as this shows respect for the law and the proceedings. Arriving at least 30 minutes early allows time for security checks and helps you settle in before your hearing begins.
Bring water and snacks
There can be a lot of waiting around and possibly a lack of opportunities to go out to get a coffee or food. When you are waiting, you need to be ready at all times to be called into the court, so it is a good idea to be prepared with some snacks and water to keep you going.
Have no expectations
Often you don’t know who the judge will be, how busy the court will be, what other matters the court may need to hear, or which cases will be heard before yours, or what the other side may present to you or put forward to the court. Therefore, it is a good idea to not have expectations about how the day will go or what the outcome will be. Your first court date may involve preliminary matters, and the trial, if required, will be scheduled for a later date. Being prepared for your first court date is important, as it sets the tone for the rest of your case. There is a lot in this process that is simply out of your or your lawyer’s control. As lawyers, we have learnt to never have an expectation; as soon as you do, there is trouble.
Contain your emotions in the court
To the best of your ability, keep control of your body language and facial expressions when you are in the court room before the judge. Many times, I have seen the other side pulling faces, making loud noises (grunting, huffing, snorting, etc.) or, in general, giving off a very bad vibe. It looks very bad, and I would not want you or any of my clients to give any court such a terrible impression. Inappropriate behavior in the court room could even lead to an objection from the other party or the judge, which may negatively impact your case. Of course, I don’t mean you can’t be distressed. Just keep breathing, and try not to let your sadness, fear or even anger turn into rudeness or aggression.
Be respectful to the judge at all times
This should go without saying, but I will say it anyway because I have seen some shocking behaviour in court. Even if you are displeased with what they say, always show a good attitude and be respectful. When you address the judge, you should refer to them as ‘Your Honour’ and follow formal courtroom etiquette at all times.
If you have a lawyer on your side, you will not have the pressure of speaking to the judge; they, in fact, will not speak to you at all or hardly even acknowledge you. This is a good thing because then you are never at risk of saying the wrong thing. However, if you are self-represented, you will have to do all the heavy lifting yourself and be fully exposed to the judge. You should inform the judge or the judge’s associate whether you are representing yourself or if you have a lawyer representing you. All parties in the case must show respect to the judge and court staff. The judge is possibly going to make decisions about your life on your behalf, so this is not the person that you want to get offside.
Do not be afraid to negotiate
Particularly if you are self-represented, don’t be afraid to go and speak to the lawyer on the other side or your ex-partner (if they are self-represented) and use the time in court to resolve some, if not all, of the issues. However, be careful not to talk about case details with anyone who may be a witness, as this could affect their testimony. Negotiating and communication are key to resolving your matter; you have the time while you are there, so use it to resolve as much as possible.
A friend or family member can attend court with you as a support person, but in some cases, their attendance must be approved by the court. Most court hearings are held in open court, meaning anyone over 18 can attend, but some hearings may be in closed court or a closed courtroom, requiring permission to attend. For example, a hearing might be closed for sensitive family law matters to protect privacy. The judge’s associate or court officer keeps an official record of the proceedings, and you should head to the right courtroom as directed by court staff.
If you have a lawyer in Cleveland, they should most certainly be trying to negotiate on your behalf. You are paying them to be there with you, and that is their role, to be your advocate.
After the hearing
Once your court hearing concludes, the judge or registrar will announce their decision and outline any orders made. Listen carefully and take notes if possible, as these orders are important for your next steps. If you do not understand something, politely ask the judge or registrar for clarification before leaving the courtroom. Always follow court etiquette—stand when addressing the judge, avoid talking or using electronic devices during proceedings, and show respect for everyone present.
If you need to leave the courtroom during proceedings, let the court officer know so they can advise you on the appropriate time to exit. Court staff can provide general information about court procedures, but they cannot offer legal advice. If you have concerns or questions about the outcome, contact your lawyer or speak to the court registry for guidance. After the hearing, you will receive a copy of the court orders, either from the court registry or by downloading them from the court’s website. If you have any objections or need to discuss the next steps, consult your lawyer for advice on how to proceed.
