Advice issued on attending remote family court hearings

Thursfields Solicitors has issued useful advice on how to prepare for and attend remote hearings only in the Family Court.

The advice from the leading Midlands law firm comes as virtual hearings are continuing and may even become a permanent feature for family cases.

Eilidh Rose (pictured), associate solicitor in the Family Law department at Thursfields, explained that a remote hearing can take place via telephone, Microsoft Teams or the court 's own video platform.

Ms Rose said: “Although many restrictions are now starting to be lifted, it seems likely that remote court hearings will continue and may well become a permanent feature of the Family Court.

“Attending court can be nerve-wracking whether it is in person or remote, and it is helpful to remember that there is still an expectation for the conditions of a remote hearing to replicate those in the court room. ”

Ms Rose and the Family Law team at Thursfields have been engaged in remote court hearings for over a year and have prepared the following tips to help family members.

• The court will inform you about how your hearing will take place when you receive your hearing date. Therefore, make sure the court has your up-to-date phone, address and email address details so you can be contacted, or the hearing may go ahead without you.
• If possible, test the technology beforehand, especially if your hearing is on a video platform. Make sure you have a good internet connection and understand how to use the microphone and video functions. Court time is limited and delays will shorten the time available.
• Make sure the laptop, tablet or mobile phone you are using to attend the hearing is fully charged or plugged into a power source.
• Have a suitable background. If possible, it is best to use a blank background or blur your background, or to make sure where you are sitting is tidy.
• Wear what you would to court. If your hearing is on a video platform you will be seen and it could be considered disrespectful not to be dressed appropriately.
• You should only have water available, as no food and drink is allowed in a court room apart from water, and this includes remote hearings.
• There should be no interruptions - this includes pets, children and deliveries. Make sure you close the door of the room you are in and that no-one comes in. Make other arrangements for any deliveries, as leaving a hearing to answer the door will be frowned upon.
• If the hearing is by phone, you should still be in a quiet and private location, as it can be noticeable if a party is out and about during a hearing.
• Switch your mobile phone and landline to silent. If you anticipate you might receive an urgent call during the hearing, make the court aware at the start.
• Importantly, never record a court hearing, as it is a criminal offence to do so. The court will record the hearing and you can ask for a copy.

Ms Rose added: “If you have a case going through the Family Court we are able to offer specialist legal advice and represent you at any hearings you may have. ”

Thursfields ' Family Law team can be contacted on 0345 20 73 72 8 or by emailing [email protected].