Preparing for a video or telephone hearing

A remote hearing needs the same attention to evidence and deadlines as an in-person appearance. Read the hearing notice, confirm the connection instructions, and test your device, sound, and internet access. Prepare a backup telephone option if the notice provides one.

Keep a searchable or clearly indexed copy of the documents you will use. Choose a private place and arrange for witnesses to follow the tribunal's instructions. Do not record, broadcast, coach a witness, or have an undisclosed helper participate contrary to the applicable rules. If a technology or accessibility problem may prevent participation, contact the tribunal promptly through its proper process. Joining a call does not cure a missed disclosure requirement, so prepare the procedural file as well as the equipment.

Prepare the room and documents as well as the device. Have the hearing notice, contact information, a document index, and a way to take notes within reach. Test how you will open and identify an exhibit without losing the connection. Keep your camera and microphone arrangements consistent with the directions and reduce interruptions where possible. Witnesses should understand their own attendance instructions and must give evidence independently. A remote format does not make informal prompting or undisclosed assistance acceptable.

If a connection fails, follow the backup or contact instructions immediately and record the problem accurately. Do not assume the hearing has stopped because you were disconnected. Raise anticipated technology, language, or accessibility barriers through the proper process in advance. Keep evidence delivery and filing deadlines on a separate checklist; a fully functioning video link does not make late materials compliant. Good preparation allows attention to stay on the questions and evidence rather than on finding files, arranging a quiet space, or discovering an access problem when the case is called.

Sources

• Tribunals Ontario video and phone proceedings
• LTB application and hearing process

Read next: Arranging an interpreter for an Ontario proceeding

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: A wooden gavel on a courtroom table beside case folders · A wooden gavel on a judge's desk.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.