The King County Ex Parte and Probate Department has been using and experimenting with Zoom virtual hearings for a few months. But starting January 11, 2021, it will be moving its daily 10:30 probate calendar from telephone hearings to Zoom exclusively. You can still call in and use only your telephone, but this is discouraged and should be used only by those lacking the ability to access the required technology. Attorneys will be expected to use Zoom.

Below is information and tips that also appear on the Initial Hearing page of this website. Other resources include the Ex Parte and Probate Department website and the Note for Hearing pleading that the Probate Department staff prepared.

How do I get Zoom?

• Joining by Computer or Smartphone. Zoom hearings can be accessed through the internet, the Zoom application, landline, or mobile phone, as well as with a H.323 or SIP device. You can also download the Zoom App to your smartphone or device. To download the Zoom mobile application, visit the Zoom website at https://zoom.us/download.

How do I log into a court hearing?

• Go to Zoom. Go to https://zoom.us/. Once you are on the Zoom site, click the “Join a meeting” option, or use this link https://zoom.us/join.

• Enter the Meeting ID for the King County Superior Court Ex Parte Department. Then enter the Meeting ID (955 8948 6575) and click “Join.” Once you have joined, you will enter the virtual waiting room. When you enter the waiting room, you will see a list of cases that are scheduled to be heard on the 10:30 calendar, along with the courtroom where each case will be heard. Find your case and the proper courtroom. Currently, probate matters on the 10:30 calendar are heard in three courtrooms:

  • Courtroom 1J at the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent,

  • Room W-325 (courtroom 2) at the King County Courthouse (KCCH) in Seattle, and

  • Room W-325 (courtroom 3) at the King County Courthouse (KCCH) in Seattle.

• Select the Proper Courtroom. You will find a list of courtrooms in the “Breakout Rooms” options in the meeting controls (look for the waffle shaped icon on the bottom of the screen; if you can’t find it, be sure that you have the most recent Zoom application downloaded onto your computer). Click “Join” next to the virtual courtroom you wish to enter, then confirm by clicking “Join” again. If you do not know which courtroom you need to be in, there is usually a court employee in the virtual waiting room who can help.

How should I conduct myself at the Hearing?

Even though you are appearing by Zoom, maintaining appropriate courtroom etiquette is still very important. The judicial officers will expect you to treat this virtual forum like any regular courtroom. Here are some tips to make the experience a positive one for everyone in the courtroom, and to prevent getting sideways with the court commissioner.

• Arrive on time. You should familiarize yourself with the Zoom platform before the hearing to avoid any last minute problems. Then you should log in at least 10 minutes before the hearing.

• Dress appropriately. Attorneys should be dressed in courtroom attire. If you are not an attorney, you should dress as close to business attire as you are able. Do not wear a hat. Do not chew gum.

• Keep outside sounds to a minimum. Mute your microphone unless your hearing is in progress. Choose a room where your children, pets, or others are less likely to intrude.

• Avoid distractions. Remember that when your camera is on, all the court participants can see you. So be as discrete as you would in a normal courtroom as you come and go. You should consider turning off your camera if your hearing is not being held, and turn it on when your case is called. This will reduce the distraction to the attorneys and parties whose case is being heard.

• Be courteous. It should be obvious, but you should be courteous to all participants in the court hearing. You should avoid physical or facial displays that would not be acceptable in a regular courtroom, including sighing, laughing, and generally objectionable behavior.

• Include your name on the Zoom screen. The hearing should run more smoothly if your Zoom screen includes your name. You can rename the screen by right clicking on the screen and selecting “rename.”

• Do not record any court hearings. The court records all proceedings. If you need a copy, you can order a copy by contacting the clerk’s office.

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