Access to Justice: Attend Court Via Zoom

By: Janice Dantes

 

COVID-19 changed the world. It caused many places to close and altered how business is conducted throughout the world. It also changed the court system. Now, lawyers and litigants just need internet access and Zoom to attend court. Below are the pros and cons of the virtual courtroom.

1. Attend Court from anywhere in the world as long as you have internet access. Court attendance is much easier with Zoom. You no longer have to make the trip to the courthouse, scramble for parking, and go through security. All you will need is internet access and the zoom instructions for the courtroom requiring your presence. This means, that you can still attend court if you are out of state and even out of country. Further, you will not need to take a day off of work but just take a break from your job.

2. E-sign and E-file. Court documents are required to be filed electronically. Further, courts are accepting e-signatures as valid. No need to print and mail documents into court. You or your lawyer can e-sign and e-file all required court documents. Some documents still require notary so please be aware of that when you e-file.

3.Meet your lawyer virtually. To promote social distancing, many lawyers are offering consultations by phone or video conference. You will be able to hire a lawyer a downtown Chicago attorney like myself without having to come downtown. 4

. Be careful about representing yourself. While the virtual courtroom is very convenient, it can be difficult to navigate if you are representing yourself. Rules are constantly changing and you will need email access to receive court notices. I recommend hiring a lawyer to assist you.

If you have any questions about a court case you have, please contact me at (312) 546-5077 or janice@pinaylaw.com.

Thank you for reading. Until we meet again, love one another.