Remote Hearings and Virtual Court Etiquette

Since 2020, many family courts have kept remote options for child support hearings, settlement conferences, and status checks. Virtual court saves travel time, but it adds tech pitfalls that can derail your case if you’re unprepared. Treat the remote courtroom with the same seriousness as a physical one, and you’ll make a strong impression while keeping the record clean.

Tech check and backups. At least two days before the hearing, test the court’s platform (Zoom/Webex/Teams) on the exact device and network you’ll use. Update the app; outdated versions crash. Plug in or fully charge, have headphones ready, and keep a backup device logged in and muted. If your home Wi‑Fi is shaky, use a wired connection or sit near the router. Create a direct dial‑in number as a last‑resort backup so you can rejoin quickly if video drops.

Your virtual “courtroom.” Choose a quiet, well‑lit space with a neutral background. Sit at a table—not a couch—and elevate the camera to eye level. Dress as you would for an in‑person hearing. Close other apps to prevent pop‑up notifications. Put pets and notifications on mute. If a child is present in the home, arrange supervision elsewhere during the hearing so you can focus.

Exhibits and screen‑sharing. Courts often require exhibits to be uploaded or emailed before the hearing. Combine exhibits into one bookmarked PDF labeled by tab (Income, Insurance, Childcare, Overnights) with an exhibit list on page one. File or email it by the court’s deadline and confirm receipt. Only share your screen when the judge asks, and share the specific window (not your entire desktop). When referring to exhibits, use page numbers and tab names so the record is clear even if screen‑share fails.

Audio discipline. Use headphones to reduce feedback. Mute when not speaking. Pause a beat before answering to avoid talking over someone due to lag. If you didn’t hear a question, say so; garbled answers hurt credibility. If a child or third party speaks off‑camera, inform the court. Some judges require parties to be alone unless counsel is present.

Identity, oaths, and privacy. Be prepared to show a photo ID to the camera. When sworn, remain audible and visible the entire time. Do not record the hearing unless the court authorizes it; many jurisdictions prohibit private recording. If exhibits contain sensitive information (SSNs, medical records), ask to file them under seal and share redacted public versions.

Professional etiquette. Address the judge formally (“Your Honor”), avoid interrupting, and keep statements concise. Use the chat only for tech issues unless the judge invites submissions there. If the other parent says something you dispute, jot notes and respond when it’s your turn; talking over each other creates a messy record. Keep emotions in check—tone and facial expressions read louder on camera.

Handling tech glitches. If audio cuts out, say “Your Honor, I’m experiencing an audio issue; may I reconnect by phone?” If the court loses you, immediately rejoin via the backup link or dial‑in, then state what you missed so the record is complete. Have the clerk’s phone number handy from the notice so you can report issues promptly.

Stipulations and orders. If you settle, ask the judge to adopt the stipulation on the record and set who will draft the order. Confirm effective dates and payment logistics. Request that the court email the minute order to both parties the same day. Begin payments immediately—remote settings don’t change start dates.

Bottom line. Remote court is still court. With a clean setup, organized exhibits, and calm camera‑side manner, you’ll present your case clearly and avoid distractions that can cost money and credibility.

Disclaimer: Educational information only; not legal advice. Procedures vary by state and change over time. Consult a licensed attorney or your child support agency.