When you appear in court, how you behave and the impression you make are important. Whether you are going to Magistrate Court or Family Court or Circuit Court, here are a few tips to help you prepare.

1. Note the date and time and place of your court appearance somewhere to help you remember.
2. Be on time for court. If you can’t be there or are going to be late, let the court know and let your lawyer know.
3. Dress appropriately. How you look when you go to court says a lot about you. That doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit and tie or a dress, (although those are acceptable forms of dress). It does mean that you should look presentable.
   • Wear clean clothes.
   • Do not wear suggestive clothes
     • No low cut tops. Avoid tank tops if you can.
     • No midriff tops. 
     • No t-shirts with raunchy phrases or pictures.
     • No low slung pants that look like they are going to fall off
   • Jeans are fine for most court appearances as long as they are clean and presentable – not too many holes for instance.
4. Bring your manners to court. All court personnel and especially the magistrate/judge should be addressed with respect. Yes Sir/No Sir (or Ma’am) go a long way with court personnel as does “please” and “thank you”.