Anyone else dealing with a court situation like this... what's the deal with having to fly in?

GR8 Job on FED Holistic codes vs her child support grievance. She knows the Tx judge, so he is ordering that I show up in Texas Court from Florida REGARDLESS OF PRIOR ZOOM HEARINGS. I am USCGA 2nd responder to back-to-back hurricanes in TAMPA with a SEO job in Florida. I refuse to fly in (so he orders capias and awards her ALL HOLISTIC BILLS+ attorney’s fees). What FEDERAL law says I do not have to fly 1200 miles to a Judge’s ‘Set Up’ when Zoom is available. FEDERAL CODE for this certain judge helps. What fed law says it’s a set up. Possibly to Jerry Springer on me, so I get an injury suit too. IT ENDAGERS ME TO FLY IN, when Zoom is available. OR incurred Travel Costs?

I get your frustration. Usually, the judge decides if remote hearings are allowed or not. Have you already petitioned for Zoom? If so, have they given any reasoning why it wasn’t accepted?

Micah said:
I get your frustration. Usually, the judge decides if remote hearings are allowed or not. Have you already petitioned for Zoom? If so, have they given any reasoning why it wasn’t accepted?

Yeah, the court date is Nov 11th. I’m afraid it’s a set-up because the Texas Circuit Judge knows the Plaintiff. She’s suing me to pay for my son’s holistic bills beyond my Humana insurance. If I fly, she might win. But if it’s Zoom, no way she’ll get anything. Not to mention the risk of her trying to pull a ‘Jerry Springer’ situation on me.

@Rin
That sounds really stressful. I can understand wanting to avoid flying into that kind of situation. Did you mention any safety concerns in your petition?

Typically, courts are reluctant to approve remote hearings unless there’s a compelling reason. Have you tried asking for permission based on the risk and your position with the USCG? Seems like that could be a valid reason.

@Spencer
My lawyer says I could motion for Skype based on fear the petitioner’s holistic activist group might harm me, lol. I’m seriously not going to risk that.

Rin said:
@Spencer
My lawyer says I could motion for Skype based on fear the petitioner’s holistic activist group might harm me, lol. I’m seriously not going to risk that.

Wait, harm you physically? I’d definitely make that a point in your motion. Sounds like a valid concern!

I’m from Texas and I know how these small-town judges can be. But unfortunately, it’s typically up to them whether they allow Zoom. Is there any chance you could explain the potential dangers of flying to the judge? Maybe that could sway them.

@Maris
Yeah, I’m really hoping I don’t have to deal with it. If I fly, I’m worried it’s all a set-up. The judge might just use it to embarrass me in front of everyone. And flying during a busy time is just a hassle.

Not sure about the federal codes, but if you’re on the fence about the flight, maybe try petitioning the court again? Or talk to your lawyer about getting a stronger argument on the Zoom issue. The whole situation sounds sketchy though.

@Arun
Yeah, I’m pushing for it. Just gotta make sure the judge knows the risk of me flying. Also, worried about the added travel costs if they force me to do it.

It sounds like this judge might have a personal bias, which is tough. Have you considered filing a formal complaint if they don’t allow Zoom? Might be worth exploring that route.

Sunny said:
It sounds like this judge might have a personal bias, which is tough. Have you considered filing a formal complaint if they don’t allow Zoom? Might be worth exploring that route.

I haven’t considered that, but it might be a good backup plan. I just want to get this over with without flying in if I can help it.