Hearings

Departments 201 and 202 – Berkeley Courthouse

• The following hearings are heard in-person:
  • All petitions for appointment of guardianship of the person

Remote Appearances

• Department 201
  • Remote appearances are at the department’s discretion
  • Remote appearances will only be conducted via ZoomGov video conference software.  You can access ZoomGov with a computer or smartphone (iOS or Android) – you must be visible to the Court.  Telephonic only appearances are generally not allowed.
• Department 202
  • Remote appearances for calendar matters are at the department’s discretion.
  • Remote appearances will only be conducted via ZoomGov video conference software.  You can access ZoomGov with a computer or smartphone (iOS or Android) – you must be visible to the Court.
  • Telephonic only appearances are generally not allowed. 
  • Requests or agreements for remote appearances for trials and other evidentiary hearings must be made in writing.
    • A written request must be filed and served at least five court days before the commencement of trial
    • You must email a courtesy copy to the Department clerk the same day you submit it for filing.
    • A party objecting to a remote appearance must file and serve a timely written opposition.,
    • You must email a courtesy copy to the Department clerk the same day you submit it for filing.

Department 103 – Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse 

• The following hearings are held in person:
  • Trials

• Upon good cause shown for any party or witness, requests or agreements to appear remotely for hearings designated to be heard in person must be made in writing
  • A written request must be filed and served at least five court days before the commencement of trial
  • You must email a courtesy copy to the Department clerk the same day you submit it for filing.
  • A party objecting to a remote appearance must file and serve a timely written opposition.,
  • You must email a courtesy copy to the Department clerk the same day you submit it for filing.
• Calendar matters may be in person or by remote appearance unless otherwise ordered for a specific case.

Probate court hears cases related to personal and financial affairs of adults and children, including:

• The appointment of personal representatives including guardianships for children and conservatorships for incapacitated adults
• The distribution and handling of estates of people who have died;
• Petitions regarding trust administration;
• Review and accounting of guardians and conservators;
• Disputes about wills, trusts, and powers of attorney; and
• Other matters that may arise under the Probate code.

Note:

Probate cases can be complicated. You may want to speak with an experienced probate lawyer. A lawyer can help you better understand the risks and responsibilities of your case.

The Self-Help Center & Family Law Facilitator’s Office for the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda offers workshops for Limited Conservatorship and Guardianship of the Minor and assistance with your existing case for Self-Represented Litigants who qualify.