Frequently Asked Questions
Unless noted otherwise, questions and answers apply to both CourtCall and Court Conference.
Table of Contents
Scheduling:
Q. How can I schedule a CourtCall Appearance?
A. Call us at (888) 882-6878 to make arrangements. If you require assistance for a matter in a US District Court, US Bankruptcy Court or State Court in New Jersey, call us at (866)582-6878. You can also schedule some appearances online by signing up for Online Scheduling, click here to register for online service: Online Scheduling Registration Form
Q. What is the minimum amount of time required for scheduling a CourtCall Appearance?
A. Specific deadlines vary but the general rule of thumb is at least three (Court/business) days. Please check your CourtCall Service Copy for the due date.
Q. How far in advance can I schedule a CourtCall Appearance?
A. As far ahead as you wish.
Fees and payment methods:
Q. How much does the service cost?
A. Please review the List of Participating Courts for a complete list of fees as they do vary.
Q.What methods of payment do you accept?
A. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, checks and CourtCall Debit Accounts.
Q. How do I set up an account?
A. CourtCall offers a pre-paid Debit Account for customers who wish to receive a monthly statement. Click here for information on opening a CourtCall Debit Account.
Q. We already have a CourtCall Debit Account and would like to view our account online, how does that work?
A. If you are already using a CourtCall Debit Account to pay for your CourtCall Appearances and have not received a form letter from us offering this new online service, please call our accounting department at (888)882-6878, option 5. Once registered, a designated firm administrator can log in and view/manage the account online.
Q. Will there be a separate fee for my client?
A. There is a separate fee for each individual party appearing by telephone.
Q. The Court is ordering my appearance by telephone, why should I have to pay for your services?
A. CourtCall provides equipment, scheduling and other services to facilitate telephonic appearances for attorneys and Judges. This enables the Court to allow you the opportunity to appear telephonically.
Q. I work for the State/Federal Government. Government agencies do not have to pay for your services.
A. As a private company, our fees apply to all participants, including government agencies.
Q. Are there any additional fees?
A. Yes there are. Paying additional fees can be avoided by making arrangements at least three (Court/business) days in advance.
Q. Why is the fee so much? It is only a telephone call.
A. A CourtCall Appearance is much more than a simple telephone call, it is your Court Appearance and we may provide high quality equipment, scheduling and other services to the Court. Without the option of CourtCall it is unlikely that you would be able to enjoy the time and money saving benefits of not traveling to Court.
Availability:
Q. Do I need consent from the Court to appear by phone?
A. In some situations you may need to get approval from the Court, however, our customer service representatives can tell you over the phone what can be scheduled. Please call us before you contact the Court.
Q. Do I need consent from opposing counsel?
A. No, consent from opposing counsel is not required.
Q. What types of proceedings can I appear telephonically on?
A. That depends on the Judge/department, our customer service representatives can tell you over the phone what can be scheduled. If you are scheduling online, a list of available days, times and proceedings will be presented on the scheduling form according to the Judges' allowances.
Q. What if the Court sets an appearance less than three (Court/business) days in advance?
A. No problem, call us and we will try to schedule it for you.
Q. How many people can use CourtCall at a given time.
A. There is no limit to the number of participants that can be on a conference.
Restrictions:
Q. My client is going to be with me when I make the call, what should I do?
A. Since we do not recommend the use of a speakerphone, you should schedule a separate appearance for your client so that he/she can participate in the conference.
Q. Can I make the call using my cell phone?
A. In most instances, CourtCall prohibits the use of cell phones on the basis that they can be disruptive to the Court. CourtCalls should be made from a land-line, with the handset engaged, wherever possible.
Other:
Q. What is the difference between a personal appearance and a telephonic appearance?
A. Not much, the same rules regarding punctuality and conduct apply and a CourtCall Appearance is treated the same way as any other Court Appearance.
Q. Will I get heard first if I am appearing by phone?
A. Typically, the Court will take the cases in whatever order it would normally, whether there are telephonic appearances or not. There is no required preferential treatment for people making CourtCall Appearances.
Q. Why do I have to use CourtCall, why can't I just call the Court directly?
A. CourtCall provides equipment and scheduling services to the Court to allow improved teleconferencing on all calls this reducing the burden on courtroom staff and streamlining the process.