On February 22, 2021, Presiding Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Eric C. Taylor announced that video would be available for remote courtroom appearances in all family law matters (except AB 1058 child support). Availability began on Monday, March 1, 2021.
The video option is available through the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s own communication system, LACourtConnect (LACC).
“The innovation of the LACourtConnect video platform will further expand the opportunity for litigants, counsel and witnesses to participate remotely in their Family Law proceedings to avoid in-person court appearances,” Presiding Judge Taylor said. “The Court continues to encourage litigants, counsel and witnesses to consider using LACC for remote courtroom appearances.” (Child support hearings will continue to be conducted by the current telephone system appearances.)
In the past, parties were allowed to appear remotely in Family Law cases by video, but only with prior judicial approval. Otherwise, parties appeared via audio.
Audio appearances will still continue in Family Law hearings, but as of February 27, 2021, attorneys and parties in pro-per could schedule video appearances. These are the courtrooms allowing the video appearances: Chatsworth, Compton, Governor George Deukmejian (Long Beach), Inglewood, Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley, Pasadena, Pomona, Santa Monica, Stanley Mosk, Torrance, Van Nuys East and Whittier. Advance scheduling is available up to two hours prior to the scheduled time of the hearing.
According to the LA Court News Release:
“[T]o learn more about LACC or to register to appear for a hearing, visit: https://my.lacourt.org/laccwelcome.
Part of the Court’s Here For You | Safe For You initiative, LACC provides a safe and convenient alternative to in-person appearances. LACC allows parties to appear in court via video or audio, without having to come to court for appearances in Civil, Family Law, Probate, Small Claims and Traffic arraignments.
LACC provides the following benefits:
• Promotes convenience and choice through cost-effective audio and video options;
• Reduces the number of court visitors, which assists with social distancing protocols;
• Eliminates driving and parking costs; and saves commute time to courthouses.”