How to prepare for a remote hearing in Georgia (video)

Since COVID-19 many courtrooms may hold their court hearings remotely.

That means you can be asked to participate by video or by phone. 

The court will notify you if your hearing is remote and send you instructions on how to join your remote hearing.

If you don’t have Internet or a phone, you should contact the court as soon as possible. 

They may:

• Postpone the hearing, or
• Help you find a way to participate.

If you can’t attend the scheduled hearing, you must have a good reason, and you must tell the court before the hearing.

Before the hearing, you should:

• Make sure you have a good Internet connection,
• Download the app your court uses (like Zoom), 
• Practice with the app so you feel comfortable,
• Make sure others can see and hear you clearly,
• Email the court any evidence,
• Tell the court if you have witnesses. 

During the hearing, you can expect:

• Everyone involved in your case will be there,
• The Judge will go over all the rules and make sure everyone can be heard,
• Your hearing will be live and recorded,
• Everyone at the hearing will see you and hear what you say.

Remember!
You may be connecting from home, but this is still an official court hearing.

Pay attention, and follow all rules.

Every court system has its own set of procedures.
Contact the court where your case is being heard for more information on remote hearings.

Learn more information at GeorgiaLegalAid.org.