In Family Court, it is possible to appear virtually for most hearings. Since the pandemic, virtual appearances have become more frequent for a variety of reasons, including reducing time spent in Court for both attorneys and litigants. On most days, Judges have multiple hearings on the hour and half hour. That means that if a hearing runs long, attorneys and litigants may have to wait for their matter to be called. In a virtual appearance, it is possible to do other things while waiting for the hearing to be called.
- Check the connection in advance of the hearing. If it’s your first appearance, check it at least the day before the hearing.
- Make sure you’re in a quiet place, free from distractions. Nobody should appear on the video feed except the Party (no spouses, no children, no grandparents, etc.).
- Use your name in the Zoom meeting.
- Login at your designated time and place your case information in the chat. Know that everyone can see the chat. Do not put anything in the chat that you want to be confidential.
- Keep yourself muted with the camera off until your case is called. When your case is called, turn on your camera. Leave your microphone off until it is your time to speak and then unmute yourself.
- Be prepared. Create BRIEF notes and don’t read your filing word for word. The Court should have read everything filed so the Judge knows why the Parties are appearing. The point is to provide an update to issues addressed in pleadings.
- If the Judge asks a question, make sure you answer the specific question(s) being asked. The Judge is asking for specific information, so do not add additional information. It can be frustrating to the Judge when the specific question(s) is not answered.
- Do not argue with the Judge. Once the Judge makes a ruling, you should only ask for clarification. Do not try to get the Judge to change his/her mind.
- Do not interrupt the Court or Opposing Party.
- If you prepare the Order, do it right away. There is a video recording of all Family Court hearings that can be requested if you need something to reference in preparing the Order.