Denton County District Court Dress Code

Everywhere we go everyday has a dress code whether it is casual or formal.  A tuxedo doesn’t work at the water park and swim trunks don’t work at a construction site.  The Denton County District Court dress code just became published for all attending court on February 22, 2016.  The memorandum includes a list of what not to wear to the district courts.

Today the world is informal.  People post everything about their life online.  It seems that social media has led some people to believe and act as if that same informality will work in a courtroom.  It doesn’t.   I’ve written about what not to wear to court before – here   And, I’ve talked about how to prepare for success when you have to be in court.  But, I’ve never had a list this specific before from a court.

Dressing appropriately for court isn’t new. Lawyers and their clients have always had requirements of some kind and they vary by region and area throughout the country.  Female attorneys, including me, have practiced in courts where the dress code was as specific as whether or not hosiery was required or bare legs were allowed.  And, in some places the dress code differed by season.

I have seen some awful things at the courthouse – truly awful. Sometimes it looks like a parade of ‘what not to wears’.  That’s why I wrote about it before.  But, I’m amazed at the things the District Court judges have included in their dress code.  Here are a few of the things NOT to wear: ball caps, flip flops, pajamas (seriously) and clothing with offensive language or symbols.  When you are preparing for court, it is always best to present your best case and that includes your appearance.  I’ve never met anyone who wished to go to court and have the judge rule against them in a family law case or any other.  So, take a good look at yourself before the day you are supposed to be in court and go shop for something new if you have to, to look your best.  But, it will be well worth it.

The memorandum doesn’t say what will happen if you wear these things – but I believe it is safe to say that you could risk not being able to attend your court appearance.

Give yourself a head start to a positive finish to your court appearance and dress for success.  If you have a question about this or any other family law issue, call for an appointment, 940-497-5454.

Jill O’Connell