Florida Courtroom Etiquette and Expectations

Florida family law cases often settle out of court. This is especially common if you have an uncontested divorce or a low-conflict custody dispute. However, sometimes, even after attempting negotiation and mediation, both parties still can’t resolve their differences. In this situation, you will need to appear in court. In real life, court is very different from how tv shows and movies portray it. As a party in a court proceeding, it’s important that you follow the expected courtroom etiquette. Failure to do so can negatively impact the outcome of your case. Following are some guidelines to follow if you are required to attend a hearing or trial in court:

• If you will be testifying, your attorney will likely conduct practice sessions with you beforehand so you can feel confident when you are in the courtroom. During these practices, ask your attorney about anything that you don’t understand.

• Dress appropriately. For men, this means wearing a suit or slacks, a button-down shirt, sports coat and tie. You should also wear dressier shoes – no sneakers or sandals. Women should wear a suit, dress, or a blouse and slacks or a skirt. For shoes, women should wear flats or heels – no sneakers or flip flops.

• Plan ahead for childcare and backup childcare well in advance of your court date. It is never appropriate to bring children into a courtroom unless the judge has specifically instructed you to do so.

• Arrive on time, or better yet, plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early in case you encounter a traffic jam, trouble parking, or a line at the security screening. Punctuality shows the judge and court that you respect their time.  

• Never chew gum, use tobacco or eat in the courtroom. Make sure your cell phone is turned off when you enter the courtroom.

• Be courteous to everyone in the courthouse, even your ex-spouse. Along the same lines, it’s essential to stay calm and collected at all times so that the judge has a positive opinion of you.

• Address the judge as “your honor”. Follow any instructions that the judge gives you and never argue with or interrupt the judge.  

• Your attorney is highly educated and is an expert in courtroom procedure. Let them do their job: follow all instructions that they give you and only speak when they tell you to do so.

• Always tell the truth; lying under oath is a crime. If you think that your ex-spouse will reveal information that will position you unfavorably, share the information (even if it is embarrassing) with your attorney ahead of time. This will allow your attorney to prepare for it and better support your case.

The attorneys at Troy Legal are experts both in and out of the courtroom. We have more than a decade of experience representing clients and will ensure that you are well-prepared if you need to appear in court. If you are seeking a divorce or need legal help with child-related issues, contact us right away for a free initial consultation.