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WHO CARES HOW I DRESS FOR COURT? — WELL . . . MAYBE THE JUDGE.

by | Jan 11, 2014 | Choosing an Attorney, Courts, Custody, Divorce, Family Law, Personal Interest, Representing Yourself

A person came into my office the other day for a “second opinion.”  And he asked me this:
 
“My attorney advised me that for my custody trial next month, I should cut my hair, trim my beard, and trade my T-shirt and jeans for a nice shirt and slacks. I find that advice insulting. I’m a good guy and a good parent, so why should it matter?”
 
Here was the answer I gave him:
 
“I believe you, and I would accept you just the way you are. On the other hand, I’m not the one holding your fate in his hands. Your future as a parent is in the hands of the person in the long, black robe – the Superior Court Judge.  
 
It’s true that we should never form an impression of others based upon appearance alone – but people do it all the time.  It’s human nature. And judges are human.  Some judges may not be concerned about your appearance – but other judges might. There are judges who view it as disrespectful when a litigant walks into the courtroom in jeans and a T-shirt.  If you happen to appear before a judge who feels that way, then you could find yourself “behind-the-eight-ball” before you ever open your mouth.
 
So, why take the chance?   
 
Your lawyer gave you good advice  It’s probably not because the lawyer doesn’t like the way you look. It’s because your lawyer is your advocate and he or she wants to assure that you do everything possible to make a good impression on the Court. 
 
Here’s my advice . . . It’s up to you, but before you make your decision, keep this in mind: Like it or not, the judge is the person who has the power to determine your fate and your children’s future.”
 
 
Gary Frank, has been a courtroom litigator in the Family Law arena for over thirty years, and is a strong and committed advocate for his clients. In addition to being a litigation attorney, Mr. Frank has acted in the capacity of a Judge Pro Tem in the Maricopa County Superior Court. This has given him an understanding of the inner-workings of the court, and a unique perspective  that most attorneys lack. He has also acted, for many years, as a professional mediator of Family Law disputes. We handle a full range of Family Law matters, including divorce, custody, legal decision-making, parenting time, spousal maintenance, child support, division of property and assets, modification and enforcement actions, as well paternity/maternity cases, grandparent or non-parent custody, and visitation actions, and relocation/move-away cases. If you are in need of a consultation regarding any area of Family Law, please do not hesitate to give our office a call today at 602-383-3610; or feel free to contact us through our website at www.famlawaz.com; or by email at gary.frank@azbar.org. We’d be happy to help you.

Let's Discuss Your Case - We're Here For You.

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Let's Discuss Your Case - We're Here For You.

When dealing with a family matter issue, you do not have to go at it alone. Give us a call and we can discuss the entire case during a comprehensive attorney consultation.

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Very honest

November 2009 I retained Mr. Frank almost two years to represent me in a visitation modification filed by my ex-husband. Mr. Frank quickly and efficiently became familiar with my case and was very honest about all the potential results that could occur. I truly feel that Mr. Frank had my children’s best interests in mind…

– Judy K