When you file bankruptcy in Detroit, you have decisions to make. Do you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or file a Chapter 13? Will you keep property (like your house or car), or will you surrender it? Are there special issues in your bankruptcy case that need to be addressed?
You probably won’t think of what you’ll wear to your bankruptcy hearing until a day or two before the hearing. And while there are rules about other bankruptcy issues, there really aren’t any concerning what you should wear to your hearing. As with most other decisions you make, use good judgment. Here are some things to keep in mind when you make this decision:
- While you are going to court, the judge will not be present. Instead, a bankruptcy trustee appointed by the United State Trustee’s Office (a division of the Department of Justice) will preside over your hearing. This isn’t as formal as testifying before a judge or jury.
- You are in bankruptcy. You have financial problems. Overdressing, while not prohibited, looks a bit odd. Coming in a suit and tie, for example, is a bit over the top. Let you lawyer be the one in the suit.
- You are in bankruptcy. You were required to list all of your assets on your bankruptcy paperwork. That includes jewelry. I’ve seen trustees cross-reference a debtor’s personal property schedules with what’s on a woman’s hand. If there’s a large diamond engagement ring on her hand but not on her bankruptcy schedules, most trustees will notice. Note: I am not telling you to hide anything. I am telling you that you should notify your attorney immediately if you forgot to list property on your schedules. And wearing jewelry you didn’t list on your schedules is a really bad idea.
- You want to show respect to the court, but, at the same time, blend in. There’s a happy medium between dressing like you’re going to work in the yard all day long and dressing like you are going to a funeral. Pick something somewhere in the middle. You don’t want to look like a slob, but you don’t want to look affluent, either.
- Don’t dress immodestly. You’re not at the beach or at a night club. Again, the goal is to blend, not to stick out (pardon the pun).
The goal at your hearing is to show respect while, at the same time, not look out-of-place. While what to wear to your bankruptcy hearing isn’t one of the more important issues in your case, it still deserves some attention. Don’t put unnecessary obstacles in the way of your bankruptcy case being a success.
Written for the Michigan Bankruptcy Blog by Charleston Bankruptcy Lawyer, Russell A. DeMott.
To schedule a free, initial consultation with Detroit, Michigan-area bankruptcy attorney John Hilla, contact jhilla@aronofflinnell.com or (248) 977-4182.
