How Virtual Court Hearings Are Changing Divorce (2025 Update)

By James A. Graham | February 17, 2026

Virtual court hearings began during the pandemic, but now they’re a normal part of family law. In 2025, these hearings have made divorce cases easier to access, though they also bring some new challenges.

If you’re getting divorced, especially in Louisiana or Tennessee, knowing how virtual hearings work can help you prepare.

The rise of virtual divorce hearings

Virtual court hearings became very popular in 2020. That year, Tennessee courts held over 7,000 virtual proceedings. Instead of ending after the COVID-19 pandemic, these online hearings are now common. Courts found that virtual hearings helped prevent backlogs, increased attendance, and made the legal system easier to access.

In 2025, courts in both Louisiana and Tennessee still offer virtual hearings for many divorce cases. Tennessee and Louisiana courts use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, or their own online platforms.

What types of divorce hearings can be held virtually?

Not every divorce proceeding can be held virtually. Courts may allow remote participation for some types of hearings, but others still require you to be there in person.

Hearings that can be held virtually

Many times, courts allow virtual participation in hearings focused on legal arguments or case management rather than witness testimony. Depending on local rules, courts may permit virtual appearances for:

Motion hearings and procedural matters.
Some temporary orders hearings for child custody or support, depending on court rules and judicial discretion.
Status conferences and case management hearings.
Some uncontested divorce proceedings, depending on local court rules and judicial discretion.
Settlement conferences and mediation sessions.

Because of this flexibility, virtual hearings can save time and reduce costs while still allowing cases to move forward efficiently. These hearings let people join from home, their lawyer’s office, or elsewhere. That way, they miss less work (or don’t miss work at all) and don’t have to pay for travel to a courtroom.

When in-person attendance is required

Some divorce proceedings still require everyone to physically appear in the courtroom. Courts typically require you to be there in person for matters such as:

Evidentiary hearings.
Trials with live witnesses.
In some cases, uncontested final divorce hearings may be held in limited circumstances and at the court’s discretion.

Judges often believe in-person hearings are necessary to properly evaluate testimony, evidence, and witness credibility. These hearings involve complex evidence and credibility decisions that judges want to handle in person.

Technical requirements and setup

You need a phone or laptop with a working camera and microphone. While smartphones work, courts recommend using a computer for increased stability. Also, a strong internet connection is essential. If your audio or video doesn’t work well, the court might end your session or ask you to attend in person.

To gain access to virtual platforms, you normally don’t need to pay for an account. The court will send a secure meeting link ahead of time. Test your equipment in advance to make sure everything works.

For the hearing, you’ll want to pick a quiet, private place with little to no distractions. Additionally, ensure there’s enough light so your face can be seen clearly. To help, try not to sit in front of windows with bright backgrounds. A plain background or a virtual one, if allowed, will suffice.

Virtual courtroom etiquette and procedures

Virtual hearings are just as formal as in-person court hearings. Ideally, you’ll want to join 10 to 15 minutes early. You’ll wait in a virtual waiting room until your case is called. When you join, use your full legal name and not a nickname. Many courts also ask you to give your case number and full name.

Dress as you would for court. Keep your microphone muted unless you’re speaking. Follow your court’s instructions on video. Some courts want your camera on while you wait; others allow it off until your case is called. When it’s your turn, unmute and say your full name each time you speak. Don’t interrupt others during the hearing.

Advantages of virtual divorce hearings

Virtual hearings have a number of benefits that make them appealing to both courts and people involved in cases:

Convenience and accessibility: You can attend hearings from home, which saves travel time and costs. This is especially helpful for people living in rural areas or those without reliable transportation.
Reduced intimidation: Being in a familiar place can make the process feel somewhat less overwhelming than being in a traditional courtroom.
Childcare flexibility: Parents can arrange childcare easily when they don’t have to travel to a courthouse.
Improved access to services: Courts can readily provide interpreters and closed captioning.

These benefits are why virtual hearings are still used even well after the pandemic.

Challenges and potential drawbacks of virtual court hearings

Even with these benefits, virtual hearings come with challenges you should be aware of and plan for.

Technology barriers

Some people don’t have good internet, the right devices, or the skills to use virtual platforms. These problems may be more common for people with lower incomes or those living in rural areas. Technical issues during a hearing can interrupt the process and may hurt your case.

Evidence presentation limitations

If you need to show documents during a virtual hearing, plan ahead. Courts have different rules for exhibits in virtual hearings. It’s possible that you may need to file and serve exhibits in advance. This can usually be done by e-filing or delivery, although sometimes a court may allow email submission. Check your court’s specific instructions and deadlines. If you don’t follow these steps, you might not be able to use your documents.

Privacy concerns

During virtual hearings, judges can see your home. Things in the background might affect how people see you. If you live with others, it can be hard to keep your privacy.

Preparing for your divorce hearing

To be successful in a virtual hearing, prepare carefully. Talk with your lawyer to learn the rules specific to your court and to thoroughly review the evidence. Before your case, practice using the virtual platform. Have a backup plan, like a phone number, where you can be reached in case you lose Wi-Fi.

Since virtual hearings are now a regular part of divorce in 2025, it’s important to know how these hearings work and how you can prepare to handle the process well. Whether your divorce case is in Louisiana or Tennessee, at Graham Law & Associates, we’re experienced in helping clients with both virtual and in-person divorces. Our team keeps up to date with the latest technology and court rules.

Posted in Divorce