One thing that catches a lot of people off guard is discovering that their court date isn't actually going to happen in a courtroom at all. Depending on the court location and the specific step in your case, a good portion of Small Claims Court's schedule now happens over the phone or by video rather than in person — and knowing which one applies to you, well before the date arrives, makes a real difference in how you prepare.
Remote hearings are common, but not universal
Many Small Claims Court matters, particularly settlement conferences and some case conferences, may be conducted remotely rather than requiring everyone to physically attend a courthouse. This shift has made the process considerably more convenient for a lot of people, especially where the parties or their witnesses are located some distance from the court location handling the case. That said, this varies — by court location, by the specific step in the process, and sometimes by the particular judicial officer assigned to the matter. There's no single rule that applies everywhere, which is exactly why confirming the format in advance matters so much.
How to confirm the format of your specific hearing
The most reliable way to find out whether your hearing will be in person, by phone, or by video is to check the notice of hearing you received, which will typically specify the format along with the date and time. If it isn't clear, or if you want to double-check, contacting the court office directly is the right move — they can confirm exactly how your particular appearance is scheduled to proceed, and if it's a video hearing, they can often tell you which platform will be used and how to access it. Don't assume based on what you've heard about a different case, a different court location, or an earlier step in your own case; formats can and do vary between one hearing and the next.
Trials tend to be treated differently
As a general pattern, trials may be somewhat more likely to be held in person compared to earlier steps like settlement conferences, given the greater weight placed on presenting evidence, assessing witness credibility, and conducting the more formal process a trial involves. But this is a tendency, not a fixed rule — practices vary by location, and some trials do proceed remotely as well. The only way to know for certain is to confirm for your specific hearing rather than relying on a general assumption either way.
Preparing for a phone or video hearing
A remote hearing still deserves the same level of preparation as an in-person one, plus a few practical additions. Choose a quiet, private location where you won't be interrupted, and test your camera and microphone ahead of time rather than discovering a problem once the hearing has started. Have your documents organized and easily accessible, whether that means physical copies within arm's reach or digital files already open on your screen, so you're not scrambling to find something while the deputy judge is waiting. Dress and conduct yourself the same way you would if you were physically in a courtroom — a video appearance is still a court proceeding, and treating it with the same seriousness makes a real difference in how you come across.
If you run into technical difficulties
If you don't have reliable access to the technology needed for a video or phone hearing, or if you run into technical problems as the date approaches, don't just wait and hope it resolves itself. Contact the court office in advance to explain the situation — they may be able to offer an alternative, such as switching you to a phone appearance, or provide guidance on how to proceed. Raising the issue early gives everyone time to find a workable solution; raising it at the last minute, or not at all, is far more likely to cause real problems for your case.
Frequently asked questions
Will my settlement conference be in person or remote?
It depends on the court location and the specific step in your case. Many settlement conferences and some case conferences are held by phone or video, but this varies, so you should always check your notice of hearing or confirm directly with the court office.
Is a Small Claims Court trial usually held in person?
Trials may be more likely to be held in person than earlier steps like settlement conferences, but this varies by location and circumstance. Always confirm the format for your specific hearing rather than assuming.
What should I do if my camera or microphone isn't working before a video hearing?
Contact the court office as soon as possible, ideally before the day of the hearing, to explain the issue and ask how they'd like you to proceed. Waiting until the hearing has already started to raise a technical problem is much harder to resolve.
Should I treat a video hearing less formally than an in-person one?
No. A remote hearing is still a court proceeding, and it should be treated with the same seriousness, preparation, and professionalism as appearing in person.