Educational guide
California Civil Remote Appearance Checklist
A practical general-information checklist for asking to appear remotely at a California civil proceeding, based on official California Courts forms and rule 3.672. It is not individualized legal advice or a deadline calculation.
- Check the notice of hearing, assigned department and superior court website before assuming a remote appearance is available. Courts publish local technology, reservation and connection procedures, and a judge may require an in-person appearance.
- Read California Rules of Court, rule 3.672, together with the local court's instructions. Eligibility, notice timing and the court's ability to require an in-person appearance can depend on the proceeding, the amount of advance notice and whether evidence or testimony will be presented.
- Determine how notice must be given. Rule 3.672 allows courts to publish local procedures and requires mandatory Judicial Council forms when those procedures call for written notice; Notice of Remote Appearance, form RA-010, tells the court that a party or witness intends to appear by telephone or video.
- Complete any required notice with the correct case number, proceeding date, time, department, person appearing and method of appearance. Use the current form and do not treat an informal email or platform reservation as a substitute unless the court's published procedure says it is enough.
- Give notice to the court and other parties within the applicable time and by the required method. Deadlines differ for ordinary proceedings and matters set on short notice, so calculate from the actual notice and court dates rather than relying on a generic estimate.
- Check for an objection or court order. Order Regarding Remote Appearance, form RA-020, states whether a party or witness must appear in person, may appear remotely or may do so only under stated limits; follow the latest order if it differs from the original plan.
- Prepare the technology and case materials in advance. Test the court-approved platform, camera, microphone and internet connection; arrange exhibits, witnesses, interpreters and disability accommodations using the court's instructions rather than trying to solve them after the proceeding begins.
- Join early from a quiet location, identify yourself when called and follow courtroom rules. Keep the court's telephone number available and be prepared to appear in person if ordered. A remote appearance does not extend filing, service, evidence or hearing deadlines.
Official resources
This guide provides general information only and is not legal or medical advice. Rules and individual circumstances differ. In an emergency, call 911.