Attending a family court hearing by video — remote hearings guide

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-09-01

A plain-English guide to remote (video and telephone) hearings in the family courts of England and Wales: when they are used, how to join, and how to prepare if you are representing yourself. This page is general information, not legal advice.

This site is an independent resource: we are not connected to HMCTS, the Ministry of Justice or any law firm, and we take no referral fees from anyone described here.

When a hearing can be remote

Since the coronavirus pandemic, family courts routinely use video and telephone hearings for suitable case-management and directions appointments, and sometimes for final hearings. Whether your hearing is remote is decided by the court and stated on your notice of hearing — always follow that notice. If it does not say how the hearing will take place, contact the court named on it in advance.

The court's powers to conduct hearings by live video or audio link come from the procedural rules (in family proceedings, Family Procedure Rules 2010 Part 21A and Practice Direction 36ZS, and rule 27.5 for directions about the form of hearings) and the court always retains discretion to require attendance in person — for example where evidence needs to be tested in person or where attending court is necessary for a fair hearing.

What the court sends you

For a video hearing you should normally receive:

• the date, time and estimated duration of the hearing;
• a link (usually a Cloud Video Platform — "CVP" — link from HMCTS) or dial-in telephone number and access code;
• instructions on joining and testing your equipment.

If nothing arrives by the working day before the hearing, contact the court. Keep the email with the link safe; do not share it with anyone not invited to the hearing.

Preparing as a self-represented party

• Test your equipment early. Use a quiet, private, well-lit room. Charge your device or keep it plugged in.
• Have your paperwork to hand: the bundle, your position statement, a notepad and pen. See our position statement guide and bundle preparation guide.
• Join 10–15 minutes early. Technical problems are common; the court may move on without you if you are not there.
• If your connection fails, rejoin immediately; if you cannot, telephone the court straight away using the number on your notice of hearing.
• Ask in advance about separate waiting rooms or screen arrangements if you are an alleged victim of domestic abuse and will share the hearing with the other party — see special measures and Practice Direction 12J principles on safety.
• Recording is prohibited. Only the court records hearings. Making your own recording of a family hearing is an offence unless the court gives permission.

Useful official links

• GOV.UK — video hearings in courts and tribunals
• GOV.UK — court and tribunal hearings during and after coronavirus (HMCTS guidance)
• HMCTS forms and guidance
• Support Through Court — free help for people facing court alone

Nothing on this page is legal advice. For advice on your own case, consult a regulated family lawyer or a family mediation service, or contact Citizens Advice.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.