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Remote Hearings in Family Court (UK): What to Expect and How to Prepare

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Remote hearings have become a permanent feature of the Family Court in England and Wales, not merely a temporary fix from the pandemic. Cases are now routinely listed by telephone or video link using secure platforms such as the Cloud Video Platform (CVP) or newer services introduced by HMCTS, and decisions about the mode of hearing are made by the judge based on fairness and access to justice. Remote hearings follow many of the same rules as in-person hearings, but require additional preparation, technology readiness and courtroom etiquette. Understanding how they work and how to prepare is essential for litigants in person.

Remote Hearings in Family Court (UK): What to Expect and How to Prepare

Key Takeaways for Litigants in Person

  • Remote hearings are now a permanent feature of Family Court in England and Wales.
  • They follow the same legal rules as in-person hearings — but require additional technical preparation.
  • You must treat a remote hearing with the same formality and respect as attending court physically.
  • Preparation includes technology checks, privacy safeguards, document readiness and clear communication structure.
  • Poor technical preparation can undermine credibility — evidence readiness still matters.
  • Structure, calm presentation and procedural awareness remain critical in a remote setting.

Introduction: Remote Hearings Are Here to Stay

Remote hearings were accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic — but they are no longer a temporary measure. The Family Court now routinely lists hearings by telephone or video link where appropriate. Judges determine the mode of hearing based on fairness, practicality and the interests of justice.

For litigants in person, remote hearings can feel both convenient and disorientating. You may be attending from your home, yet participating in a formal judicial process. The setting may feel informal — but the legal consequences are not.

This guide explains how remote hearings work in Family Court, what technology is used, what is expected of you, and how to prepare strategically and professionally.

Official Overview: What Remote Hearings Look Like

The following official-style video provides a helpful overview of how remote court hearings operate in practice:

This video gives visual context for how remote hearings function and what to expect when joining by video.

What Platform Is Used?

Most Family Court remote hearings use:

  • Cloud Video Platform (CVP)
  • Microsoft Teams (in some courts)
  • Telephone conferencing systems

The joining link is usually sent by email in advance. It is your responsibility to check it works.

Guidance from HMCTS is available here:

What to Expect When Joining a Telephone or Video Hearing (GOV.UK)

Are Remote Hearings Legally Different?

No.

The same legal framework applies:

  • Family Procedure Rules 2010
  • Practice Directions (including PD12J and PD27A where relevant)
  • The Children Act 1989 welfare principle (in children cases)

The judge’s powers and expectations remain unchanged.

The only difference is the format of attendance.

When Are Remote Hearings Typically Used?

  • Case Management Hearings
  • Directions Hearings
  • FHDRA hearings
  • Short interim applications
  • Procedural reviews

Fact-finding hearings and final hearings may sometimes still take place remotely, but judges consider complexity, evidence type, and fairness.

Advantages of Remote Hearings

  • No travel costs
  • Reduced time off work
  • Increased listing flexibility
  • Potentially less intimidating environment

Risks of Remote Hearings

  • Technical failures
  • Connectivity interruptions
  • Reduced ability to read courtroom dynamics
  • Distractions in home environments
  • Risk of informal tone creeping in

Preparation neutralises these risks.

Technical Preparation Checklist

Before the Hearing:

  • Test your internet connection.
  • Use a laptop where possible (not just a phone).
  • Charge devices fully.
  • Have a backup device ready.
  • Ensure camera and microphone function.
  • Download required apps in advance.
  • Join the hearing 10–15 minutes early.

Environment Preparation:

  • Quiet room.
  • Neutral background.
  • No interruptions.
  • Phones on silent.
  • Children supervised elsewhere.

Remote Hearing Etiquette

Even though you are at home, you are in court.

  • Dress professionally.
  • Address the judge appropriately (Sir/Madam/Your Honour as applicable).
  • Mute when not speaking.
  • Do not interrupt.
  • Do not record the hearing without permission.

Recording without permission may amount to contempt.

Document Readiness in a Remote Setting

Remote hearings require heightened document awareness.

  • Have the bundle open on screen or printed.
  • Know page numbers in advance.
  • Use bookmarks in PDFs where possible.
  • Prepare a short position statement.
  • Prepare a list of key page references.

In remote hearings, clarity replaces physical presence.

Communication Strategy

When speaking remotely:

  • Speak slowly.
  • Pause before responding.
  • Use page references clearly (“Bundle page 124, paragraph 6”).
  • Avoid talking over others.
  • Keep submissions structured.

Remote platforms amplify confusion. Structure prevents it.

Safeguarding and Privacy

Remote hearings remain confidential.

  • No one else should be in the room unless permitted.
  • No recording or streaming.
  • Ensure no background conversations.

Family proceedings are private.

If Technology Fails

  • Rejoin immediately.
  • Email the court promptly.
  • Have a backup phone number ready.

Judges understand occasional technical issues — but preparation reduces disruption.

Remote Hearings and Credibility

Judges assess credibility even remotely.

  • Eye contact with the camera.
  • Composed tone.
  • Professional setting.
  • Structured responses.

Remote does not mean relaxed standards.

Working With a McKenzie Friend in a Remote Hearing

If supported:

  • Clarify how you will communicate privately (e.g., WhatsApp messages during hearing).
  • Agree speaking boundaries.
  • Ensure the court knows they are present.

Remote coordination requires planning.

After the Hearing

  • Write down key points immediately.
  • Review the order carefully once received.
  • Calendar deadlines.
  • Prepare next steps promptly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Joining late.
  • Unstable internet.
  • Interrupting.
  • Appearing casual.
  • Being unprepared with documents.
  • Emotional over-speaking.

Remote hearings reward disciplined preparation.

Is a Remote Hearing Fair?

The court must ensure fairness. If you believe remote format prejudices your ability to present your case (e.g., complex evidence or vulnerability concerns), you may raise this with the court in advance.

The judge decides.

Why Remote Hearing Competence Matters

Remote hearings compress time. Judges expect focused submissions.

Disorganisation becomes more visible in digital format.

Technical fluency is now part of courtroom competence.

How JSH Law Supports Remote Hearing Preparation

  • Pre-hearing checklist review.
  • Technology readiness planning.
  • Structured speaking notes.
  • Bundle navigation strategy.
  • Safeguarding awareness integration.

Preparation reduces anxiety.

Book a 15-Minute Consultation

Useful Links

Regulatory & Editorial Notice

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case depends on its own facts and procedural context.

JSH Law provides litigation support services to litigants in person. JSH Law is not a firm of solicitors and does not undertake reserved legal activities.

Advocacy Skills for Litigants in Person: How to Present Your Case Clearly and Effectively in Family Court

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Advocacy is not about being loud, emotional, or argumentative. It is about presenting your case clearly, calmly, and strategically so the judge can make a decision that serves your child’s welfare. In this guide for litigants in person, we break down the structure of effective advocacy in Family Court — from opening submissions and referencing evidence properly to cross-examination skills and closing arguments. If you are representing yourself, this is the framework you need.

Advocacy Skills for Litigants in Person: How to Present Your Case Clearly and Effectively in Family Court

Court Skills for Litigants in Person  |  England & Wales  |  Practical, strategic and structured

Key takeaways for litigants in person

  • Advocacy is clarity under pressure — not performance or volume.
  • The court wants structure: issue, law, evidence, proposed order.
  • Judges respond to proportionate, child-focused reasoning — not emotional narrative.
  • Preparation matters more than confidence.
  • Short, focused submissions are stronger than long, unfocused ones.
  • Credibility is built through restraint, accuracy and respect for the process.

Advocacy is not about being the loudest person in the room. It is not about delivering a speech. And it is not about “winning the argument”.

Advocacy in Family Court is the disciplined presentation of your case in a way that assists the judge.

If you are a litigant in person, you are doing two jobs at once:

  • You are a party to emotionally difficult proceedings.
  • You are your own advocate.

That is not easy. But it is manageable if you understand what good advocacy actually looks like.

1. What the Court Is Really Listening For

In private children proceedings, the court’s focus is governed by section 1 of the Children Act 1989 . The child’s welfare is paramount.

Judges are listening for:

  • What order are you asking for?
  • Why does that order promote welfare?
  • What evidence supports your position?
  • Is your proposal workable and proportionate?

If your submission does not answer those questions, it will feel unfocused — even if it is heartfelt.

2. The Core Structure of Effective Advocacy

Whether you are addressing the court at a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA), a directions hearing, or a final hearing, use this structure:

  1. Identify the issue.
  2. State the legal framework.
  3. Refer to the key evidence.
  4. Propose a clear order.

Example (Child Arrangements Case)

Issue: The current informal arrangement is unstable and leading to conflict at handovers.

Law: The child’s welfare under s.1 Children Act 1989; harm suffered and risk of harm.

Evidence: Three missed handovers (bundle pages X–Y); school letter confirming child distress.

Proposed Order: Defined alternate weekend contact with school-based handovers.

That is advocacy. Short. Structured. Focused.

3. Tone and Demeanour: How You Present Matters

Judges expect:

  • Respectful language.
  • No interruptions.
  • No personal attacks.
  • Calm responses under challenge.

Losing composure undermines credibility. Even if the other party provokes you.

Advocacy is controlled discipline.

4. Dealing with Evidence in Oral Submissions

Refer to page numbers. Be precise.

Avoid phrases like: “It’s all in there somewhere.”

Instead: “Bundle page 142 shows the police reference number confirming the incident.”

Precision builds authority.

5. Cross-Examination Skills (If Applicable)

If you are permitted to question the other party (and subject to Domestic Abuse Act restrictions), questions must be:

  • Short.
  • Specific.
  • Non-argumentative.

Example:

  • “On 4 March, did you cancel contact at 7:45pm?”

Not: “You always manipulate contact to control me, don’t you?”

The first invites a factual answer. The second invites conflict.

6. Common Advocacy Mistakes

  • Reading a 20-page statement aloud.
  • Re-arguing past points repeatedly.
  • Interrupting the judge.
  • Speaking over the other party.
  • Failing to propose a clear outcome.

Judges are time-pressured. Clarity helps them help you.

7. Managing Nerves

  • Prepare bullet points.
  • Practice aloud.
  • Focus on structure, not performance.
  • Pause before answering.

Silence is not weakness. It is thinking time.

8. Advocacy in Safeguarding Cases

Where domestic abuse is raised, the court applies Practice Direction 12J .

Your advocacy must:

  • Identify risk.
  • Link it to welfare.
  • Propose proportionate safeguards.

Avoid framing safeguarding as punishment. Frame it as protection.

9. Closing Submissions at Final Hearing

Your closing should:

  1. Summarise findings you seek.
  2. Link them to welfare checklist factors.
  3. Propose final orders clearly.

Keep it focused. Judges appreciate brevity.

10. The Mindset Shift: From Emotion to Structure

Advocacy requires a shift:

  • From grievance to framework.
  • From reaction to strategy.
  • From narrative to evidence.

This is not about suppressing emotion. It is about presenting it lawfully.

Book a 15-minute consultation (phone)

If you want help preparing structured submissions or practising how to present your case calmly and clearly, you can book a consultation below.

6 Useful Links

Regulatory & Editorial Notice

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. JSH Law provides litigation support services to litigants in person and does not conduct reserved legal activities.