Hearings by Skype

[AustinRd]

Hi, I’ve just had my new court date through for my final child arrangement hearing which is now set to take place via Skype. I appreciate it’s early days with this process but would be keen to hear from anybody who’s already used it on the following

1. I have down loaded Skype but do the court provide domain info to log into?
2. I’m a lone parent in lockdown so will have children in the home with no support. As it’s a final hearing it could last all day 10-4pm how much allowance/recognition is given to this. My children are ks2 at school.
3. How did you cope without having your barrister next to you/how did you converse if required on points raised. Any helpful tips

TIA

You need to have a read of this. tells you all you need to know, and is the most current one out there right now.

www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/The-Remote-Access-Family-Court-Version-3-Final-03.04.20.pdf

I was just about to write the same op. I too have a hearing and I’ve actually said that I can’t take part as I am a single parent with 2 children under the age of 10 and I obviously can’t get childcare. I haven’t had any confirmation of this but I’m hoping it will be postponed.

Hello, I have actually had a hearing since lockdown so happy to answer any questions about what happened for me....
ours was by telephone not Skype tho....
I wasn’t able to communicate privately with my solicitor so we emailed back and forth for a few days before to make sure he knew my viewpoint on things. He also emailed the father to see if we could come to an agreement much like you would discuss back and forth in the hour at court before a hearing?
Slight awkward things..... knowing who was talking as father and solicitor were both male it wasn’t obviously who was talking.... also talking over each other a little x

Thanks all I think I have managed to find emergency childcare which is clearly best outcome as I can it my full concentration. I’m gearing up for a long day on Skype and hope that internet connectivity on the day is good. So many extra stresses on things outside your control at a time that is already really stressful. I am hoping that a DJ vs lay bench might be more efficient.

You need skype so business. I've done a few hearings now on skype. They have been better than I expected. Thy are ok once you get going. Less intimidating I think

Sorry I work in the family court. I'm not aware of any benches sitting just now. It's been dj only and they are also working from home

Thanks, it’s definitely a DJ, and I’m hoping they will be more focussed and direct than a bench and that it won’t take a full day. This will be hearing no6 but the first time I’ll be cross examined. Until now it’s been barristers and Cafcass

Word of warning judges are losing their patience when parties aren't logged in to video calls and they will repost the hearing. Make sure you're ready. Hope it goes ok x

Thanks, I hate tardiness too so I’ll be there early. I’m more concerned with actually getting online/testing access as I’m guessing I won’t get details until just before hand which doesn’t leave long for trouble shooting if there are issues.

I've had a telephone hearing that worked well. There was me, client, and our barrister, and the other side was a litigant in person. The judge controlled it all. Some tips:

1. If you're not talking, mute your phone.
2. Establish a system of communicating with your team. We used a single email to the other two, which everyone would reply to so we had a long thread recording our comments to each other. I've heard that others use a WhatsApp group.
3. Try and use headphones/microphone. This avoids feedback where if someone has their speakerphone on and it's loud, everyone can hear the echo.

There are many more tips online, but the above was what I found helpful.

Oh, and try and have two screens. One for the video, and another for your documents (you'll likely have an e-bundle).

And remember the judge can see you at all times. Dress for court, and stay focussed.

Have you got a laptop, tablet or ipad and headphones?

Reason I ask is that conference calls are better for you as the recipient if on a larger screen, so more static and less movement in addition to having background noise if you don't have headphones. Many people manage well with just plug in ones that you get with a mobile, but I'd find them too uncomfortable for a potential all day. Conference Call.

Good luck.

Also, turn your camera on and rest where you'd sit. Sun glaring and different backgrounds would be considerations for me.

Test not rest.

Thanks all I have a laptop and headset and will use both. Unfortunately I dont have a second screen so I’ll just need to toggle or have documents open at on a second device (assuming this is possible).