Virtual Hearings

There might be different types of remote hearings offered depending on where you live. It is important to talk to your local court officials to make sure you understand how things will work in your case. A fully remote hearing generally means that the whole hearing will be online. Both parties, the judge, and any witnesses will appear via Zoom or some other court-approved program.

A hybrid remote hearing can mean different things in different places. In some states, “hybrid” might mean that the judge and one party appear in person, while the other party appears virtually. In other states, “hybrid” might mean that some parts of a case are held virtually, while other parts are held in person. In that situation, all of the parties would appear the same way. For example, in a custody case, a motion to continue might be heard virtually, and all parties would appear online. But then the final custody trial might be held in person, and all parties might have to appear in person.