Family law
Will My Family Court Hearing Be on Video? How Remote Court Works
Quick answer
Many family courts now hold some hearings by video or phone instead of in a courtroom. This page explains how remote hearings generally work and how to prepare so the format does not hurt your case.
Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal · Last updated June 2026
Watch this explained
Your hearing might be on video. Here's how remote court works
How to know if your hearing is remote
Whether a hearing is held remotely, in person, or as a mix of both depends on the court, the judge, and the type of hearing. Some courts default to video for shorter hearings like status conferences and keep trials and contested evidentiary hearings in person. Others let you request a remote appearance or require you to ask permission in advance. This varies by state and often by county, so check your state's guide and the local court's website.
The notice of hearing, the court's online case portal, or the courtroom's posted instructions usually say how you are expected to appear. If it is unclear, call the clerk's office before the hearing date rather than guessing. Showing up in the wrong format, or failing to request remote appearance when the court requires a request, can mean your hearing is continued or, in some situations, treated as a failure to appear.
What a remote hearing actually looks like
Most remote hearings run on a video platform the court chooses, and the link or dial-in information is usually posted on the court's website or sent with the hearing notice. You typically join a virtual waiting room or a shared courtroom session where multiple cases are on the calendar. The clerk or judge calls cases one at a time, so you may wait a while with your microphone muted before your matter is heard.
Once your case is called, the hearing proceeds much like an in-person one. The judge confirms who is present, may swear in anyone who will testify, and gives each side a chance to speak. Interrupting, talking over the other party, or speaking when not called on is treated the same as it would be in a physical courtroom. If your connection drops, rejoin as quickly as you can and let the clerk know what happened.
Documents, exhibits, and evidence in a remote hearing
Anything you want the judge to consider generally has to be filed and served before the hearing, following the court's normal rules and deadlines. You usually cannot hold a document up to the camera and expect it to count as evidence. Some courts have a specific process for submitting exhibits electronically for remote hearings, and the details vary by state and court, so check your state's guide and the local court's instructions.
Have your filed papers, your proposed parenting schedule, and any financial disclosures in front of you, either printed or open on a second screen, so you can refer to them without fumbling. If the other side references a document you have not seen, say so clearly and ask the court how it wants to handle it.
Practical tips for appearing well on camera
Treat a remote hearing with the same seriousness as a courtroom appearance. Dress as you would for in-person court, find a quiet space with a neutral background, and make sure the children are not in the room or within earshot. Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection ahead of time, keep your device plugged in, and have the dial-in phone number as a backup in case video fails.
Use your full legal name as your display name, keep yourself muted until you are addressed, and look at the camera when you speak. Do not record the hearing unless the court has expressly permitted it, since many courts prohibit recording and some treat it as a serious violation. Remote hearing rules differ across states and courts, and this page is general information only, not legal advice. Onbello is a document preparation service, not a law firm.
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Where to check this
Forms, deadlines, and local rules change. Verify anything on this page against the official self-help resources for your state before you rely on it.
This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and local rules vary and change. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed family-law attorney in your state.