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Family Law Remote Appearance Protocol for Case Parties And Attorneys

The Court is expanding the use of remote appearances by way of Zoom Audio/Video to be used in family law by justice partners and litigants to appear remotely for certain family law calendars and hearing types. Please refer to the Calendar Appearance Requirement Matrix, a separate attachment, for specific detail as to calendar appearance requirements (Zoom, in-person, etc.).

If your matter is scheduled on a calendar that requires a Zoom appearance, please request credentials. Appearance by video is strongly requested; however, you may also appear by audio. If the calendar you are appearing on requires a Zoom appearance, only those who are unable to appear by way of Audio/Video may appear in person.

General Protocols

To obtain Zoom credentials for remote appearances, please submit your request online through the Court's website.

The following is required of all Audio/Video conferencing attendees:

  • Follow the same courtroom etiquette requirements when appearing remotely as you would in person
  • Mute your audio when you are not speaking
  • Should you be unable to appear by video as is strongly requested, and you appear by calling in only:
    • If you are using the audio only option, you must dial in; you cannot join with the audio only credentials on a desktop or tablet
    • Do not put the call on hold as music will play, and you will by disconnected by the Audio/Video conferencing host, and you will need to rejoin the Audio/Video conferencing session
  • Attorneys, parties, witnesses, and any third parties are not permitted to record the proceeding without advance permission from the judicial officer calling the calendar. Unauthorized recording of court proceedings violates California Rule of Court 1.150 and is punishable by monetary sanctions or contempt proceedings against the offending party.
  • If the case requires an interpreter:
    • The Court will only supply an interpreter if one is available and the parties provide sufficient notice to the interpreter coordinator
    • Interpreter requests must be received a minimum of two days prior to the hearing for the following languages: Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, Portuguese, Arabic, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean, Tongan
    • If any other language is desired, a minimum of seven days' notice is required; a timely request for an interpreter does not guarantee the Court will be able to supply one
    • Please submit all interpreter requests through the Court's website at www.sanmateo.courts.ca.gov, select 'Divisions,' and then select 'Interpreter Services'
    • Counsel that needs to have a private conversation with their client and are utilizing a Court provided interpreter, phone the interpreter coordinator at 650-261-5023, and we will connect you with an interpreter on standby who may assist you

Hearing-Specific Protocols

Mandatory Settlement Conferences

  • Remote appearance is mandatory
  • The judicial officer conferencing the matter will host the Zoom conference

Requests for Order

  • Remote or in-person appearances are allowed

Domestic Violence Prevention Act-Temporary Restraining Order

  • If the matter proceeds to a hearing, the hearing may be conducted remotely or in-person. Personal appearance is not required of counsel and/or parties if the matter will proceed on the hearing date unless the Court orders otherwise.
  • The moving party is expected to prepare a proposed order prior to the hearing and provide it to the court for consideration (orders will need to be completed before they leave the courtroom).
  • Prior to an evidentiary hearing, the standard admonishments will be presented to the parties. The admonishment will take the form of a video the Zoom attendant will present to the participants. Parties appearing in person will have the opportunity to view the admonishment video outside the courtroom or to read it in advance. Parties will be asked to confirm on the record that they have seen and understand the admonishment.

    Click on the hyperlinks below to view the DVPA Courtroom Notice (Admonition):

  • The public may call (650) 298-5758 to obtain assistance regarding remote appearances. The telephone line will be open 30 minutes before the start of a court hearing and will remain open for the duration of the court session.

DVPA Courtroom Video

Family Law Support

  • Remote or in-person appearances are allowed
  • Prior to an evidentiary hearing, the standard admonishments regarding the hearing being held by a Commissioner will be read over Zoom and in the courtroom. It may also be provided in writing. Parties will be asked to confirm on the record that they have heard or read, and understand the admonishment.

    The admonition language is available for review at this link. You may read it prior to your hearing. Parties will be asked to confirm on the record that they have heard or read, and understand the admonishment.