WebEx- Participating via WebEx

Superior Court WebEx Access Instructions

Important Notice

Please read this information carefully. Failure to follow these instructions may result in denied entry to WebEx hearings.

To protect the integrity of court proceedings, effective April 22, 2025 for Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court WebEx sessions, the following outlines Superior Court’s Requirements for WebEx Appearances and LiveStreaming.

1. Who Can Use WebEx?
   1. Attorneys and litigants with matters on the docket may appear via WebEx under the following rules.
   2. Public observers may attend in person or via Live Stream (if available).
      1. Note: Live Stream is not available for Civil Protection Orders (CPO), juvenile matters, or trials.
2. WebEx Participation Requirements
   • (failure to follow these parameters may result in denied entry to WebEx hearings)
     1. Name Requirements
        • Litigants/Parties: Display first and last name AND case number in your WebEx title.
        • Example: Jane Smith – 23-2-12345-11
        • Attorneys: Display first and last name AND include the word “Attorney.”
        • Example: Attorney John Doe
        • No entry will be granted if:
          • Name does not match the docket.
          • Name is incomplete or uses nicknames.
     2. Phone-Only Access
        • Must request permission in advance using the form:
          • Request for Exception to Appear Remotely or Telephonically
        • Deadlines:
          • 7 calendar days before hearing.
          • 3 calendar days for Civil Protection Orders and Unlawful Detainers.
     3. Late Entry
        • No one will be admitted after roll call or once the docket starts. Judicial Assistants will not monitor the lobby after proceedings begin enabling them to focus on their courtroom duties once the docket has started.  
     4. No Exceptions for Double-Booking - Attorneys must appear in person or reschedule if they have conflicts. 
     5. Exceptions/Notice
        • Judicial Assistants will have discretion to remove anyone from the WebEx meeting if that person is disruptive, or at the direction of the judicial officer
        • Judicial Assistants, at the direction of the judicial officer, may allow some participants in the Webex room after docket has started for the convenience of the court or administration of justice, such as interpreters, DOC, or jail staff.
     6. Courtroom Decorum
        • Dress and behavior must match in-person standards.  Failure to do so may result in denial, removal, or sanctions. Disruptive or offensive participants will be removed and may face sanctions. See: WebEx Decorum Instructions
3. Mandatory In-Person Appearances
   • Settlement conferences
   • Evidentiary Hearings and Trials
   • Special Sets 
   • and as otherwise directed by the Court
     • Remote appearance for these requires prior approval (7 days minimum) using the same request form.
4. Live Stream
   • Available for most hearings except:
     • ITA Hearings
     • Ex Parte Docket
     • DOC Blake Hearings
     • CPO Dockets or CPO Hearings on Family Law Dockets per RCW 7.105.205(4)
     • Adoptions
     • Juvenile Matters
     • Trials 
     • Special Sets (at the discretion of Judicial Officer & depending on the type of case/hearing)
   • The public is always welcome to attend hearings in person at:
     • Benton County Justice Center
       • 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Bldg. A Ste. A130, Kennewick
     • Benton County Courthouse
       • 620 Market Street, Prosser
     • Franklin County Courthouse
       • 1016 N. 4th Ave., Pasco