How to Attend a Hearing at WCPC

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All hearings for all judges in the Wayne County Probate Court are conducted remotely via Zoom as of March 16, 2020. No one other than court staff is permitted inside the actual courtroom for hearings. Petitioners are responsible for sending the Notice of Hearing form to all interested parties. The Notice of Hearing contains the date, time, and subject of the hearing, along with instructions for how to attend the hearing by phone or computer. You may also follow the directions below to attend a hearing.

How to find the date and time for your hearing:

Go to Case Access and search the case name or case number. The hearing will be listed in the case Register of Actions. If you have specific questions AFTER searching the case information on Case Access, you may email the courtroom for the judge assigned to your case:

Judge Staff email:
JUDGE FREDDIE G. BURTON, JR. FGBStaff@wcpc.us
JUDGE JUDY A. HARTSFIELD JAHStaff@wcpc.us
JUDGE TERRANCE A. KEITH TAKStaff@wcpc.us
JUDGE DAVID BRAXTON DBStaff@wcpc.us
JUDGE LAWRENCE J. PAOLUCCI LJPStaff@wcpc.us
JUDGE DAVID A. PERKINS DAPStaff@wcpc.us

Instructions for Attending a Zoom Hearing:

Each courtroom has a unique Meeting ID number that you will need for each option explained below:

Judge Meeting ID
JUDGE FREDDIE G. BURTON, JR. 4242601629
JUDGE JUDY A. HARTSFIELD 8894970057
JUDGE TERRANCE A. KEITH 4020634055
JUDGE DAVID BRAXTON 3904402123
JUDGE LAWRENCE J. PAOLUCCI 7910061697
JUDGE DAVID A. PERKINS 4296359417

You have three options to join the hearing: 1) use the Zoom App; 2) use your computer; 3) use your telephone (mobile or landline phone).

  • Option 1: Audio or Audio and Video Using the Zoom App (requires internet connection)
    1. Install the Zoom App from the App Store or Play Store prior to the call.
    2. Launch the zoom app
    3. Click “Join a Meeting”
    4. In the Meeting ID field, enter the appropriate Meeting ID for the Judge as listed above
    5. Please update your screen name to your name and include the case number if possible.
    6. In join options
      • Don’t connect to audio – turn off
      • Turn off my video – turn on if audio only, turn off if participating by video
    7. Ensure your device has the microphone (audio) and camera (video) on
    8. Click “Join”
    9. In the prompt, “to hear others please join audio”
      • Select “call using Internet audio”
      • (Select Dial in if you want to abandon this setup and use option 3 instead )
    10. Once your participation is no longer needed, leave Zoom by clicking “leave”
  • Option 2 - Audio or Audio and Video using the Zoom Website
    1. Go to www.zoom.us
    2. “Join a Meeting”
    3. Enter the appropriate Meeting ID for the Judge as listed above
    4. Follow the download instructions
    5. Select Computer Audio or Phone Call
      • If joining with Computer Audio, Click Join with Computer Audio (you must have a microphone and speakers on the device)
      • If joining via phone call – Click Phone Call and follow the instructions given.
    6. Please update your screen name to your name and include the case number if possible.
  • Option 3 - Audio only by Telephone
    1. Call 646-876-9923 or 669-900-6833
    2. Enter the appropriate Meeting ID for the Judge as listed above
    3. Press #, no password or participant ID is needed

Technical Responsibilities:

The court does not provide technical assistance for testing or troubleshooting. In addition, the court does not provide time during court proceedings to troubleshoot issues. It is your responsibility to insure that your connection works, before your court date.

Testing Windows, Apple, or Android devices:

Directions for testing your device and networking prior to the proceeding can be found at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362313-How-Do-I-Test-My-Video-

Technical Support:

The court uses Zoom meeting services for the Virtual Court Room experience. If you are having TECHNICAL issues with your equipment you should review Zoom training and support materials at Zoom.us. Please understand Zoom is an independent service provider and will have NO knowledge of your court case or legal issues.

Local Court Policy:

  • The call is a court proceeding and therefore an extension of the court room and appropriate conduct and attire is expected and required.
  • The judge has full power over remote participants as if they were present in the physical court room.
  • Remote participants should use a good WiFi connection or a substantial LTE mobile data plan to ensure a quality connection. (Note: Mobile data use may incur substantial cellular carrier charges which are the responsibility of the remote participant.)
  • Remote Participants must use a private and quiet room that will be free of interruptions. (Outdoor, car, or public places are not permitted.) Also, video meetings also need good, consistent lighting so avoid rooms with bright windows and / or back-lighting.
  • Remote Participants must place their mobile devices on a solid surface with the camera at eye level. Do not hand-hold mobile devices and do not lay phones or tablets flat on a desk or tabletop!
  • Remote Participants should take time prior to the call to become familiar with the controls and test the mic and speaker controls.
  • If the court determines the quality of the video experience is not acceptable it has the right to terminate the call.

Rev. 05/2021