Script 433 gives general information only, not legal advice. If you have a legal problem or need legal advice, you should speak to a lawyer. For the name of a lawyer to consult, call the Lawyer Referral at 604.687.3221 in the lower mainland or 1.800.663.1919 elsewhere in British Columbia.

If a party (e.g., the plaintiff or defendant, but not a witness) has to appear in court, they may be able to appear by phone – as long as they don’t have to testify (give evidence) in court.

To make a phone appearance, you must get prior approval from the court. Ask the registry of the court where you have to appear if you can do it by phone. Do this at least one week before your court date, if possible. If not, then ask the court registry at least 3 days before your court date. If a phone appearance is possible, the court registry will explain what you need to do.

In Small Claims Court, a hearing may be conducted by telephone if a party doesn’t live or carry on business within a reasonable distance from the court or in exceptional circumstances.

In Supreme Court, an application to appear by phone must be made by requisition in Form 17, supported by a letter setting out the reasons why want an order allowing you to appear by phone.

You should contact a lawyer to help you with any court matters.

[updated February 2011]

Dial-A-Law© is a library of legal information that is available:

• by phone, as recorded scripts, and
• by audio and text, on the CBA BC Branch website.

To access Dial-A-Law, call 604.687.4680 in the lower mainland or 1.800.565.5297 elsewhere in BC. Dial-A-Law is available online at www.cba.org/bc in Public & Media.

The Dial-A-Law library is prepared by lawyers and gives practical information on many areas of law in British Columbia. Dial-A-Law is funded by the Law Foundation of British Columbia and sponsored by the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch.

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