What types of hearings are covered?
PD-74 addresses applications, trial management conferences (TMCs), and hearings or pre-hearing conferences before the registrar in civil and family proceedings. Different practices may govern trials, judicial case conferences, case planning conferences and specialized virtual-chambers pilots.
First identify the exact hearing type shown on your notice or order. Do not assume a video link for one kind of conference means you may appear remotely at every other hearing.
What the court considers
PD-74 lists factors relating to the hearing (substantive or procedural, contested or not, duration, and whether oral evidence is expected), the remote-attendance request (timeliness, other parties' views, technology, potential prejudice) and the grounds for the request (travel, proportionality of cost, health, accessibility, safety, family violence, or relevant protection or criminal orders).
The overarching questions are fairness, access to justice and proportionate conduct of proceedings. A reason may be relevant without guaranteeing permission. The presiding judge or associate judge decides according to the relevant process.
When Form F19.1 is required
A request to change the method of attendance may require a formal requisition. Under Supreme Court Family Rule 22-6(5), an application under Rule 22-6(4) or (4.1) for a direction about attending an application or registrar hearing in person, by telephone or by video must be made by Form F19.1 (Requisition — Method of Attendance). Rule 14-3(7) also specifies Form F19.1 for certain trial management conference attendance directions. Other hearings may have different request procedures; follow PD-74 and current court/registry instructions rather than assuming one informal email or F19.1 covers every situation.
How to prepare a useful request
- Identify the hearing type, date, registry, file number and expected duration.
- Read PD-74 and any scheduling notice for the specific hearing.
- Explain why remote attendance is appropriate for this hearing, including relevant practical circumstances.
- Address whether witnesses or contested oral evidence may be involved, and how you can participate fairly.
- Ask the other side for their position where appropriate; preserve the response.
- Submit the request using the method and timing required by the court, rather than simply assuming permission.
- Prepare a stable connection, quiet room, device, exhibits and backup plan if permission is granted.
Safety, accessibility and privacy
PD-74 expressly lists accessibility concerns, safety concerns, family violence allegations and relevant protection or criminal orders among potentially relevant circumstances. Provide only information necessary to explain the request, and flag genuine safety requirements early through an appropriate registry or legal channel.
Never record or rebroadcast a proceeding without authorization. Follow any court instructions about cameras, microphones, exhibits and speaking turns. If you do not have reliable technology, describe that honestly in the request.
Do not confuse remote attendance with virtual chambers
PD-73 addresses a separate associate-judge virtual chambers pilot, and other directions cover certain conferences. A proceeding cannot necessarily be moved to virtual chambers merely because someone prefers video attendance. Check the current practice-directions index and the hearing notice.
If you're preparing a chambers application, the existing applications guide explains that process separately.
Related guides
Important: This page is general legal information, not legal advice. Court rules, practice directions, fees and forms can change. Court orders, exceptions and the circumstances of your own case can change the procedure.