Remote Appearance Instructions
The Court utilizes two solutions for remote appearances or telephonic appearances. Zoom can be used for remote appearances with an audio-video connection. CourtCall can be used for telephonic appearances.
NOTICE to all Litigants and Attorneys Appearing for Family Law Matters in Departments 7 and 13
- Effective June 10, 2024, and continuing until further notice, parties and attorneys for the parties are expected to appear in person, unless the person participating in the hearing files a timely notice of their intention to appear remotely as required by the Local Rules of Court. All notices of remote appearance not filed by the time indicated in the Local Rules of Court will require court approval for remote appearance, which may or may not be granted.
- Due to audiovisual system limitations, parties and counsel appearing remotely in Departments 7 and 13 may participate in telephonic appearance services provided by CourtCall. Information concerning the CourtCall service is available on the Telephonic Appearances page of the Court's website or by contacting the Family Law Clerk’s Office in Merced at (209) 725-4117 or in Los Banos at (209) 725-4124. Remote appearances through other platforms are not permitted.
- Arrangements to appear by CourtCall must be made at least three (3) court days before the date of appearance. CourtCall requires a fee unless a fee waiver is on file. CourtCall should be set for the time of the hearing unless parties are ordered otherwise by the Court. CourtCall may be reached at (888) 882-6878.
- All Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC) shall continue to be conducted via Zoom audio. Parties will be contacted at the telephone number on file with the Family Law Clerk’s office. If your number or address has changed since you last provided information to the Court, please update this information with the Court prior to your mediation. The Clerk’s Office will remain open for parties to pick up their CCRC recommendations/rationales or agreements prior to their hearing
Remote Appearance Information By Case Type
Each case type has different procedures, rules, and forms.
Links To Case Types
How to Prepare for Your Remote Zoom Court Appearance
Any recording of a court proceeding held by video or teleconference, including “screen-shots” or other audio or visual copying of a hearing, is absolutely prohibited.
The court will not provide technical support for Zoom participants or attendees. Please contact the Zoom Help Center, your local IT support, or other online guidance.
There is no cost to appear by Zoom.
- To appear by video, you need a device with a microphone, camera, and Internet connection.
- Headset: We strongly recommend using headphones with a built-in microphone.
- If you do not have a headset with a microphone, you may join the video portion with your computer and use your phone for audio. Zoom Instructions for Joining a Meeting By Phone
- Download the Zoom app if you are using a smartphone or tablet from the App/Play store.
- Download Zoom Client if you are using a desktop or laptop computer. Zoom Download
- Use the Test Meeting feature to make sure you can login and that your equipment works.
- Make sure your equipment is fully charged. Plug in your laptop or tablet to a power source.
- If you cannot appear by video, you may call in using the phone number for audio appearances.
- Mute all sounds from other applications running on your device (notifications, emails, messages, etc.)
- Make sure you have a quiet place without distractions where you can participate in your hearing.
- Silence your cellphone (if you are not using).
- Do not attempt to participate while traveling in a vehicle. You may experience connectivity issues that affect your participation.
- Be aware of your background. Position yourself in front of a blank, neutral wall if possible.
- Be aware of the lighting. Do not sit in front of or behind a window because the light or reflection can affect the video.
- Sitting directly under a light will create shadows.
- Arrange childcare if necessary.
- Behave as you would if you were appearing in person.
- Dress appropriately. For video, solid colors are best. Try to pick a color that won’t blend in with your background wall.
- Keep your device on mute until it is your turn to speak.
- Do not speak over anyone and do not interrupt.
- Wait a few seconds before speaking, so there are no miscommunication errors or people speaking over each other.
- Use appropriate language.
- If there is a court reporter or language interpreter present, be aware that they may interrupt from time to time to clarify who is speaking.
- When speaking, look directly into the camera, not the screen.
- Position your camera at your eye level or slightly above eye level.
- Do not put your phone on hold if you are appearing by phone.
- Exhibits and Witness lists must be submitted to the court and served on the other party. See the appropriate deadline for your type of case. If you need help figuring out your deadline, contact the Self Help Center.
- If you do not file your exhibits by the deadline for your type of case, your information may not be considered.
- Witnesses (must be named on previously submitted witness list) should join the Zoom meeting and follow the same guidelines as parties.