Confirm your court date
Your court date is on the Summons.
Your court date may change. The debt collector may file a Motion to Expedite. This asks the court to move the hearing date to an earlier date. Pay attention to any court papers you receive to see if the date changes.
Need help? Call the court clerk. Their number is on the summons.
If your hearing is online
You can use a computer, tablet, or smartphone, as long as it has a working camera and microphone.
- Choose a quiet space,
- Test your device,
- Test your internet, and
- Practice signing on, muting, and turning on your camera.
The court has instructions to help you participate in online hearings.
👉 If you don't have access to internet or a device that works, call the court clerk to find out about your options.
If your hearing at the courthouse
Plan your transportation. Decide how you'll get to the courthouse and how long it will take. Aim to arrive 30 minutes early.
- Driving: Find out where to park and the costs.
- Public transit: Check the schedules ahead of time.
Need help? If you have questions, you can visit the court's website or call the court clerk. Their number is on the Summons.
Decide what to wear
You don't need to wear a suit to court, but you should dress in a neat and respectful way. This helps show the judge that you are taking the case seriously. Think about clothes you would wear to a job interview, church, or a school event.
📌 Courtrooms can be chilly. Bring a light sweater or jacket, even in the summer.