QUESTION
What will happen if I cannot appear in the court because of financial problem?
Asked on Oct 02nd, 2014 on Divorce - California
6 ANSWERS
Business Litigation Attorney serving Los Angeles, CA
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Gerard A. Fierro & Associates
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It depends on the issues to be decided at the hearing. You should have your matter reviewed. If you cannot afford to travel to the hearing, you should explore options such as having a lawyer appear for you; or arranging to appear at the hearing by telephone.
Answered on Oct 03rd, 2014 at 2:47 PM
Arbitration Attorney serving Irvine, CA
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Law Office of Linda K. Frieder
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Call the court room and advise them of your status. There may be a form to appear by telephone.
Answered on Oct 03rd, 2014 at 3:20 AM
Domestic Law Attorney serving Vista, CA
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Ralph L. Williams
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It is possible to make some appearances by telephone. There is a Judicial Form FL-679, Request for Telephone Appearance which you can complete and file with the Court at least 12 days before any hearing. You will also have to make prior arrangements to have the call placed through the service now called "Court Call" which does charge a normal fee of $80.00 unless application is made for a fee waiver. This form is also available as a Judicial Form and can be obtained from the clerk's office when you file Form FL-679.
Answered on Oct 02nd, 2014 at 7:43 PM
If you do not appear then the matter may be decided against you. You should look into appearing by telephone. Check the court's website and talk to the clerk's office about applying for permission to appear by phone.
Answered on Oct 02nd, 2014 at 7:41 PM
Divorce/Family Law Attorney serving Carlsbad, CA
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Anne B. Howard, A Professional Law Corporation
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You HAVE to appear in court for any court hearing. The judge could make all kinds of orders while you are not there to defend yourself. The courthouse family law facilitator can help you complete responsive pleadings to file.
Answered on Oct 02nd, 2014 at 7:41 PM
Family Law Attorney serving Irvine, CA
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Law Office of Julie A. Ringquist
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You may have bigger problems if you don't find a way to appear. The hearing will likely go forward without your presence and your side of the story won't be heard before the Judge makes orders in your case. You may want to check if there is any way that you can appear by phone or internet, but it's really best to be there in person to testify.
Answered on Oct 02nd, 2014 at 7:40 PM