Virtual Hearings in Family Law: How to Prepare and Present Yourself
Key Takeaways:
- Virtual hearings are formal court proceedings — Remote family law hearings carry the same legal weight and expectations as in-person hearings, requiring professional conduct, preparation, and respect for court rules.
- Preparation is both technical and practical — Testing your equipment, having a backup plan, choosing a quiet private space, and presenting yourself appropriately can significantly reduce stress and avoid disruption.
- Clear, calm communication is essential — Waiting your turn to speak, addressing the court properly, and raising any technical or accessibility issues early helps ensure your case is heard effectively.
Virtual hearings are now a routine feature of family law proceedings in England and Wales. What began as a necessity during the pandemic has evolved into a permanent and widely used method of case management and dispute resolution. Hearings involving child arrangements, non-molestation orders, financial remedy proceedings, and divorce-related applications are frequently conducted remotely.
While virtual hearings offer flexibility and convenience, they should not be mistaken for informal video calls. A remote hearing is still a formal court process, governed by strict rules and judicial expectations. How you prepare, behave, and present yourself can have a direct impact on how your evidence is received and how effectively your case is put forward.
At Parachute Law, we regularly guide clients through virtual Family Court hearings. This article explains how remote hearings work, what to expect, and how to prepare so that you can participate confidently and professionally.
Understanding the Format of a Virtual Family Court Hearing
Before any remote hearing, the court will issue a Notice of Proceedings confirming:
- That the hearing will take place remotely
- The platform to be used
- The date, time, and expected duration
Most virtual family hearings take place via:
- The Cloud Video Platform (CVP)
- The Video Hearings Service (VHS)
- A telephone conference (for shorter or administrative hearings)
Joining details are often sent by email or text message on the day of the hearing. It is essential to check your inbox — including junk or spam folders — regularly in the days leading up to the hearing and again on the morning itself.
If you have not received joining instructions by the time stated in the notice, you should contact the court or your solicitor immediately.
Technical Preparation: What to Do Before the Hearing
Technical issues are one of the most common causes of stress in virtual hearings, but many problems can be avoided with advance preparation.
Test Your Equipment
Before the hearing day:
- Check that your device (laptop, tablet, or phone) works reliably
- Test your camera and microphone
- Ensure your internet connection is stable
Where possible, use a laptop or desktop rather than a phone, as this allows you to see all participants clearly and access documents more easily.
Check Your Browser
Most platforms work best on up-to-date browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Avoid outdated software and ensure your operating system is current.
Have a Backup Plan
Always have a contingency:
- A phone available for dial-in access
- An alternative device charged and ready
- The court’s contact details to hand
If you lose connection during the hearing, rejoin as quickly as possible using the original link or backup method.
Treat a Virtual Hearing Like an In-Person Court Appearance
A common mistake is underestimating the formality of a remote hearing. Although you may be joining from home, the court expects the same standards of behaviour as if you were physically present in the courtroom.
Choose a Suitable Location
You should:
- Find a quiet, private space
- Ensure there will be no interruptions
- Keep children, pets, and other household members away
If privacy is an issue — for example, in cases involving domestic abuse — inform your solicitor or the court in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Be Ready Early
Log in at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. This allows you to resolve any last-minute technical issues and ensures you are not late when the judge joins.
Dress Appropriately
Dress as you would for court:
- Smart, neutral clothing
- No slogans, logos, or casual wear
- Avoid overly bright colours or distracting patterns
Your appearance contributes to the overall impression you create and signals respect for the court process.
Set Up a Professional On-Screen Environment
Your visual presentation matters more than you might expect.
Background and Lighting
- Position yourself against a plain, neutral background
- Avoid clutter, personal items, or anything visually distracting
- Sit facing a light source to ensure your face is clearly visible
Poor lighting or a cluttered background can undermine the seriousness of your presentation.
Camera Position
- Place the camera at eye level
- Sit upright and centred in the frame
- Avoid holding the device by hand
Maintaining eye contact with the camera helps convey confidence and attentiveness.
Courtroom Etiquette in a Virtual Hearing
Remote hearings follow the same procedural rules as in-person hearings.
Microphone and Sound
- Keep your microphone muted when not speaking
- Unmute only when invited to speak
- Avoid background noise at all times
Speaking to the Court
- Wait for the judge or magistrates to invite you to speak
- Address the judge appropriately (“Judge” or “Sir/Madam”)
- Speak slowly, clearly, and calmly
Do not interrupt other parties. If you need to clarify something, ask politely when appropriate.
Recording Is Prohibited
It is a criminal offence to record a court hearing without permission. This includes screen recording, audio recording, or taking screenshots. Breaching this rule can have serious legal consequences.
Managing Documents During a Virtual Hearing
Ensure you have access to all relevant documents:
- Court bundles
- Statements
- Applications and orders
If documents are electronic, have them open on your device or printed in advance. Label documents clearly so you can find them quickly if the judge refers to specific pages.
Keep a pen and paper nearby to make notes during the hearing.
Communicating Clearly and Effectively
Virtual hearings require extra care in communication. Delays in audio or video can lead to misunderstandings if participants speak over one another.
When speaking:
- Keep answers concise and relevant
- Stick to the facts
- Avoid emotional or reactive responses
If you do not understand a question or instruction, it is entirely appropriate to ask for clarification. Judges are accustomed to managing virtual hearings and will ensure you have the opportunity to participate properly.
Common Challenges in Remote Family Court Hearings
Short-Notice Hearings
Emergency applications — particularly in cases involving children or domestic abuse — may be listed at short notice. If you are genuinely unprepared or unable to participate effectively, you or your solicitor can ask the court for a short adjournment.
Technology Barriers
Not everyone has reliable access to technology. If you are represented, your solicitor may be able to arrange for you to attend from their office. In some cases, the court or support services may assist with access.
Language and Accessibility Needs
If you require:
- An interpreter
- Adjustments for disability
- Extra breaks
These must be raised as early as possible so the court can make appropriate arrangements.
If Something Goes Wrong During the Hearing
Despite preparation, issues can still arise.
If you are disconnected:
- Rejoin immediately using the same link
- Use your backup dial-in option if available
- Contact the court using the details provided
Do not panic. Judges are generally understanding about technical difficulties and will pause proceedings where necessary.
After the Hearing
Once the hearing concludes:
- Make a note of any directions or orders made
- Check whether a written order will follow
- Clarify deadlines for any next steps
If you are represented, your solicitor will usually follow up with written confirmation and guidance on what happens next.
Final Thoughts
Virtual hearings are now an established part of family law practice. While they remove the need to attend court in person, they demand the same level of preparation, professionalism, and respect for the judicial process.
By understanding the format, preparing your technology, presenting yourself appropriately, and communicating calmly and clearly, you can ensure your case is heard effectively. Addressing potential challenges early — whether technical, logistical, or personal — allows you to participate with confidence and dignity.
At Parachute Law, we support clients at every stage of family proceedings, including preparation for virtual hearings. With the right guidance and preparation, remote hearings can be navigated successfully and without unnecessary stress.
Related Article:
The Divorce Gap: Why Women’s Income Plummets After Divorce — and What UK Law Can Do About It
Why Couples Really Divorce: The Top 10 Reasons for Divorce in the UK
