If you have a court hearing by phone or video call

Summary

Tell the court or tribunal as soon as possible that you want a face to face hearing instead. It’s usually best to call them – you can find the contact details for your court or tribunal on GOV.UK. Tell them why you don’t want a remote hearing. For example, tell them if: * it would be difficult because of a medical condition or disability * you don’t have a good phone line or internet connection The court or tribunal might agree to wait until they can arrange a face to face hearing. This means you might have to wait a long time to get a result. Make sure you’ve got all the documents you need for the hearing. The court or tribunal will usually send you a collection of documents with page numbers. This is sometimes called a 'bundle'. The letters from the court or tribunal should say if you can have someone with you during the hearing – for example a friend or family member. If you’re allowed someone with you, they can give you support, take notes and help you with paperwork. If you have a legal representative, they’ll also join the remote hearing. Tell the court or tribunal as soon as possible if you’ve got any questions or you’re worried about the hearing. Tell them if you’ll need.

Key information

• •it would be difficult because of a medical condition or disability
• •you don’t have a good phone line or internet connection
• •wear smart clothes – wear what you would wear at a face to face hearing
• •sit in front of a plain wall if you can, so your background on the call isn’t distracting
• •you’re likely to be interrupted
• •you need any extra support – for example if you need to take breaks often
• •you’ve got any questions or you’re worried about the hearing
• •Tell the court or tribunal as soon as possible that you want a face to face hearing instead. It’s usually best to call them – you can find the contact details for your court or tribunal on GOV.UK.
• •Tell them why you don’t want a remote hearing. For example, tell them if:
• •* it would be difficult because of a medical condition or disability
• •The court or tribunal might agree to wait until they can arrange a face to face hearing. This means you might have to wait a long time to get a result.
• •Make sure you’ve got all the documents you need for the hearing. The court or tribunal will usually send you a collection of documents with page numbers. This is sometimes called a 'bundle'.

Practical guidance

• •Source: [If you have a court hearing by phone or video call](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/if-you-have-a-court-hearing-by-phone-or-video-call/)

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