How can I support clients who have remote court appearances?

June 4, 2026

Learn ways service providers and lawyers can help women prepare for and attend virtual/remote court proceedings.

Assist your client to find out how her court appearance is going to take place. Will it be by phone or video conference? If by phone, what number does she call? If by video conference, which platform will be used?
Does she have the technology she needs for the court appearance? If not, can you advocate for a different kind of remote hearing?
Make sure she and you know the phone number or link for the appearance.

Ask your client if she would like you to be present for her court appearance.

If she says yes and has a lawyer who agrees that you can join, connect with the lawyer’s office to find out how.
If she says yes but does not have a lawyer, check with the court to find out how to join.

If you will be attending it with your client:

Clarify what role she wants you to play.
Test the technology you plan to use in the location you will be in for the hearing.
Dress professionally if the hearing is by video conference.
Have copies of your client’s court documents within reach during the hearing.
If you are taking notes, have that set up before court starts.

Make sure all her paperwork is complete and properly filed.
Review with her what the court will be dealing with at this appearance and the possible outcomes.
Encourage her to arrange child care and time away from work just as if she were going to court in person.
Set up a time to debrief with your client as soon as possible after the hearing is over.

Talk with your client about special plans she may want to make for her remote court date:

Discuss whether she can have another support person available to her in addition to you.
Safety still matters for remote appearances. Share our remote court appearances checklist with her and discuss safety planning and etiquette for virtual court appearances.
If the hearing is taking place by video conference, make sure the name that appears on the screen for each of you will be appropriate.
Talk to her about self-care measures she can put in place for before, during and after the court appearance.

Ensure you will be set up in a safe and private space, free from interruptions.
If the hearing is by video conference, make sure that your background is suitable. Remember that you too may be a target for the abuser.

Arrange to connect with your client before the time of her hearing:

Review what will happen, make sure that she is set up safely and privately and has her court documents at hand.
If she has a support person with her (either in-person or remotely), check to see that that person is in place.
If the two of you plan to communicate privately during the hearing, make sure you have whatever system you are using (text messaging, email, etc.) ready to go.
Ask your client if she has any last-minute questions.
Make sure all devices you will be using are fully charged and/or plugged in to a power source.
If the court hearing is by teleconference, use a landline if you have one.
If the hearing is by video conference, log in 15 minutes early.

Your role during the hearing is the same as if it were taking place in person: to support your client in whatever ways she has asked of you.

Your behaviour will reflect on your client. Follow court etiquette:

Do not speak unless the judge or one of the lawyers directly asks you to.
Follow any instructions provided by the judge.
If you are asked to speak, do so slowly and clearly.
Do not use speakerphone if the hearing is by telephone.
Mute your microphone when you are not speaking.
Be polite and do not demonstrate frustration or anger by facial expressions/eye rolling or other body language.
Be respectful to everyone at the hearing.
If you have to leave the hearing for any reason, let your client know and leave and re-enter quietly.
Do not eat or drink during the hearing.

When the hearing ends, if you have been taking notes, review and organize them and send them to your client.

Make sure you and your client have disconnected all your devices from whatever system was used for the hearing.
Debrief with your client, making sure she is clear about any required actions on her part.
Set up your next regular appointment with your client.
Check in with her about self-care.
Make time for your own self-care.

IMPORTANT: Custody and access laws have changed! Learn more.