It’s your hearing before the judge or general magistrate.

That means it’s game day!

Remember that Zoom offers what no physical courtroom can: a window into your home and your lifestyle. The “all-seeing eye” of your device’s camera never leaves your face and your environment. Zoom gives more opportunity for the court officers to evaluate your credibility and your character with greater scrutiny.

The day of your Zoom hearing is NOT the day to learn whether or not you have enough technological knowledge to complete your virtual court proceeding successfully.

Let’s check your strategy for your virtual Zoom hearing:

1. Put your Zoom link and a meeting ID number near your device the night before.
2. Be seated for your hearing at least 20 minutes ahead of time: this early start gives you the opportunity to check in with your attorney and to check your devices, background, and clothing.
3. Put away other devices and anything that could lure your attention away from proceedings.
4. Close all other windows and apps on your devices. Let’s not invite temptations for distraction. Also we don’t want to risk noises coming from other windows or apps.
5. Hit the bathroom before your Zoom.
6. Have nearby earbuds/earphones that are compatible with your devices in case you need help with hearing proceedings. Other parties could have technical difficulties that impact you.
7. Wipe your camera lens. Make sure your transmitted image is clear so that your expression is visible.
8. Your device and ideally a back-up device should be charged.
9. Even with full charges devices, there should be a charger nearby so that you don’t have to disrupt your Zoom to retrieve it.
10. If you’re already a Zoom user, what is your profile picture? Should the judge in your child custody case see it? Ensure appropriate material is saved as your profile picture well before your online proceeding.
11. If you have an obscene or smartypants email address or device name, change it now, as it may inadvertently appear as your name before the court in Zoom. Nothing at any point in proceedings should suggest that you don’t take court seriously. When you first enter the Zoom room, check your name and change it to your full legal name.
12. This is not a casual meeting. This isn’t the time to slouch or to stare out the window or to scroll through your phone, even if the phone itself is not broadcast on Zoom. Don’t be That Guy. These actions signal not only disrespect to the court and the other party, but also they signal a lack of concern for your case, which in a custody or other family law case, can cost you dearly. Never forget that this moment is about your child, your money, and your future.
13. Once you are in the Zoom courtroom, there is a spot on the webpage to name yourself properly so that all parties in Zoom can see your name. Type your legal full and last name. Do not use nicknames, as this is not the time to be casual. Your goal is to show respect for the proceeding and deference to the court. Practice adding your name during sessions with your Zoom practice friend.
14. Do not record or photograph any part of the virtual court proceeding, even if you’re only recording audio. Doing so can result in negative consequences, both for you and for your case. Instead, ask for a transcript.
15. Don’t talk over others, as you are being rude to the judge or general magistrate (even if you’re interrupting your ex). You will get your turn, if your lawyer’s strategy deems it in your best interest.
16. Don’t interrupt to voice disagreement with an inaccurate statement, no matter how badly you’re triggered: you appear combative, unreasonable and possibly aggressive toward the court. Don’t give opposing counsel another strike against you.

This blog post is part of the DADvocacy™ Law Firm’s series on winning your Zoom hearing. Enhance your Zoom skill set through visiting our other posts:

• Part One on evaluating your environment for distractions,
• Part Two on preparing your technology,
• Part Three on your personal presentation and decorum, and
• Part Five for what to practice with a friend ahead of your Zoom hearing.

The DADvocacy™ Law Firm reminds you that ADA accommodations are available for virtual court proceedings. Please ask your attorney and/or your jurisdiction for details in advance of your hearing date so that accommodations can be properly made.

If you believe that a dedicated fathers’ law firm is the right one for you, please talk with us.

Warning: All posts on this website contain general information about legal matters for broad educational purposes only. The information is not legal advice, and should not be treated as such. This blog post does not create any attorney-client relationship between the reader and the DADvocacy™ Law Firm.