I’m concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic. Can I have a virtual hearing?
As of January 2022, if you have a hearing scheduled in Municipal Court, you may contact the court to have the hearing held remotely (over Zoom or by phone) instead of going to court in person. Follow the instructions in this flyer. Landlord Tenant Court is still open and you must attend your hearing in person if you have not asked and been approved for a remote hearing in advance. You do not need to give a reason for wanting a remote hearing.
I have a disability. Can I have a virtual hearing?
If you have a disability–either temporary or permanent–and your disability prevents you from attending a court hearing in person, then you may request a virtual hearing as a reasonable accommodation for your disability. You should submit your request at least 5 business days before your hearing.
Here are the steps:
- Fill out the court’s Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
- Where it says Nature of the disability for which an accommodation is requested, briefly describe your disability. A disability is any physical or mental condition that substantially limits your ability to see, hear, walk, breath, perform manual tasks, care for yourself, learn, speak, or other major life activity.
- Where it says Accommodation Requested, state that you are requesting a Zoom hearing because of your disability.
- Attach the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form to an email and in the message write your case number, the courtroom, the date and time of the hearing and the reason for your request.
- Send the email to these three court staff members:
- For questions, you may call the court at 215-686-2910.
I have a disability. Can I get an accommodation for my in-person hearing?
If you are attending your hearing in person, but you need the court to accommodate your disability in some way, you should submit a request at least 3 business days before your court hearing.
- Fill out the court’s Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
- Where it says Nature of the disability for which an accommodation is requested, briefly describe your disability. A disability is any physical or mental illness that substantially limits your ability to see, hear, walk, breath, perform manual tasks, care for yourself, learn, speak, or other major life activity.
- Where it says Accommodation Requested, state what you need the court to do because of your disability. For example, you might request a sign language interpreter.
- Email the form to these two court staff members:
- Or send your form by fax to 215-686-2947 Attn: Frank Figaniak and Karen Quick.
- Or call 215-686-7986 and leave a voicemail with your case number, your full name, and your contact information.