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Family Law Remote Appearance Protocol

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
  • Counsel and parties shall sign in on Zoom at least 15 minutes before the hearing start time
  • All participants must use their full first and last name when signing in on Zoom
  • Counsel shall rename themselves on Zoom to include the name of the party they represent
  • Parties shall be in a quiet location
  • Parties shall mute themselves until their matter is called
  • Parties must attempt to have video capability with a functioning camera
  • 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

Unauthorized recording of court proceedings violates California Rules of Court, rule 1.150 and is punishable by monetary sanctions or contempt proceedings against the offending party.

Interpreter Requirement Information

  • 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

Family Law Status Conferences (FLSC)

  • Remote appearance is mandatory
    • Parties that appear in person will be provided a public laptop in the courtroom
  • The Family Law Commissioner and/or the Family Law Facilitators will hear Family Law Status Conferences
  • Zoom Credentials are available on the Family Law Commissioner’s webpage

Mandatory Settlement Conferences (MSC)

  • Remote appearance is mandatory
    • Parties that appear in person will be provided a public laptop in the courtroom
    • The Family Law Commissioner will hear Family Law Status Conferences
    • Zoom Credentials are available on the Family Law Commissioner’s webpage
  • The judicial officer conferencing the matter will host the Zoom conference

Requests for Order (RFO)

Domestic Violence Prevention Act-Temporary Restraining Order (DVPA/TRO)

  • Remote or in-person appearances are allowed
  • Remote appearances are authorized for case parties and attorneys related to the case
  • A DVPA/TRO matter may be heard by a Commissioner or by a Family Law Direct Department
  • If your matter is assigned to a Commissioner, please find Zoom Credentials on the Family Law Commissioner's webpage
  • If your matter is assigned to a Direct Department, please find the Zoom Credentials by viewing the assigned Judicial Officer’s webpage at Family Law Direct Calendaring | Superior Court of California | County of San Mateo
  • 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 or e-filed by an attorney).
  • 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/TRO Courtroom Admonition Video

DCSS Calendar

  • Remote or in-person appearances are allowed
  • Remote appearances are authorized for case parties and attorneys related to the case
  • An Attorney from the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) will be present at the 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.
     

Firearm Relinquishment Calendar

  • Remote or in-person appearances are allowed
  • Remote appearances are authorized for case parties and attorneys related to the case
  • The Firearm Relinquishment Calendar may hear both Family Law and Civil case types
  • The Family Law Commissioner will hear the Firearm Relinquishment Calendar
  • Zoom Credentials are available on the Family Law Commissioner’s webpage

Informal Discovery Conference Calendar (IDC) – Family Law

  • Remote appearances are mandatory
  • Family Law Informal Discovery Conferences will be heard by the Family Law Commissioner
  • Zoom Credentials are available on the Family Law Commissioner’s webpage