Asking to Change How You Attend Your Hearing

There are three ways to join a hearing

When going to court, you have three ways to join a hearing:

  • in-person - everyone goes to the courtroom
  • remotely - everyone joins by video call, or a phone call if the court approves it
  • hybrid - some people attend in-person and some attend remotely

The court will decide how everyone must join the hearing. They will think about things like what you and other people prefer, how long the hearing will take, how many people are involved, how hard it is to come in-person, and whether you need an interpreter or special help. 

Asking to change how you attend the hearing

If you are in court and another hearing is being scheduled, just tell the court you want to change how you attend. 

If the hearing has already been scheduled, you can send a letter or email to the court. If you have a lawyer, your lawyer must ask for you. If you are representing yourself, you can use this lookup tool to find your court's email address. Or use the directory to find the court's mailing address if you are sending a letter.

Tips for sending an email or letter

  • send your email or letter to everyone involved in the case
  • put this in the subject line:
    • REQUEST TO APPEAR REMOTELY, Case [your case number] OR
    • REQUEST TO APPEAR IN PERSON, Case [your case number]
  • send your request at least 7 days before your hearing unless you have an emergency or the hearing was scheduled fewer than 7 days in advance. In that case, send your request as soon as possible and explain why you are sending the request now. 

Here is an example you can use:

To: the court, and the lawyer for the other party in the case

Subject: REQUEST TO APPEAR REMOTELY, Case 241234567

Email body: "I ask to appear remotely for my upcoming hearing on [date]. The reason is [explain why, such as work schedule, distance, health concerns]."

After you send your request
The court can decide on a request without waiting for a response from the other parties in your case. The court is required to grant your request unless it has a good reason for saying no. A good reason can include things like:

  • someone's important legal rights could be compromised
  • safety concerns exist
  • you have had past behavioral or technical problems
  • the hearing is extremely important
  • the court does not have necessary technology or resources
  • other parties object to the change

The court must provide a clear reason for denying the request. If the court grants your request, it will only affect how you attend. It will not change how other parties in the case attend the hearing. 

Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 87. Applicable in criminal cases under Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 81(f). Applicable in juvenile court cases under Utah Rule of Juvenile Procedure 2(a).

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