I was in family court this morning to file a motion for a client. A self represented couple was there filing motions for custody of a 12 year old girl. The mother was dressed in see through cotton top that did not reach her pants waistline. The pants had cut slits at the thighs and behind. The father was in an old, but clean black suit with a white shirt and red tie.
The bailiff came to the mother before the judge entered and offered her a shawl to wrap around her top, the mother refused.
The judge entered. The couple was the 3rd motion to be heard. When the names were called the judge (female 60s) asked the wife if she thought her dress was appropriate for court, the wife replied ‘it’s summer’
The judge asked the wife if she’d let her 12 year old appear dressed the same way. The husband said the wife brought the daughter for supervised visitation and daughter was in the hall. Judge had daughter brought into the courtroom, Daughter was wearing a halter top, short shorts and flip flops.
Judge lectured wife that this might be appropriate for the beach, but not court or city streets.
Arguments continued for about 20 minutes. Judge awarded custody to the father, saying mother did not comprehend what is acceptable for a 12 year old to wear in public and questioned the mother’s judgment in general.
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