Courtroom etiquette

Courts expect self-represented litigants to behave with professional decorum, and the rules apply equally to them and to attorneys. Most courts ban photos, recordings, or streaming without a written court order.

Arrive 30 minutes early for security and parking.
Dress as for a job interview: no hats, shorts, or tank tops.
Silence your phone. Don't bring food, drink, or gum.
Check in with the clerk or bailiff and say which case you're on.
Stand when the judge enters or leaves, and when you speak (unless seated at the witness stand).
Say "Your Honor." Speak only to the judge, not to the other party.
Never interrupt the judge. If the judge interrupts you, stop and listen, then answer the question asked.
Answer "yes" or "no" out loud. Say "I don't know" or "I don't understand" if true.
Don't argue with a ruling. Say "Thank you, Your Honor."
Children should not come to court unless the court asks.
Need an interpreter or accommodation? Ask the clerk or coordinator before your court date.

Zoom and virtual hearings

Check the court's page or ask the coordinator for the Zoom link, meeting ID, and any judge-specific rules. Join 10–15 minutes early and test your camera, mic, and connection.
Use your full name as your display name. Wait in the waiting room until admitted.
Sit in a quiet, private, well-lit spot. Use a laptop or a propped-up phone, not one you hold. Don't join while driving.
Dress as you would for court. Stay muted unless you are speaking. Keep your camera on unless the judge says otherwise.
Don't record, screenshot, or stream the hearing .
No one else should coach you off-camera. Witnesses usually wait out of the room until called.
Sharing exhibits: follow the court's instructions. Many courts require exhibits to be exchanged and sent to the coordinator before the hearing. Name each file clearly (for example, "Petitioner Ex. 1 – Pay stub.pdf"). Practice screen sharing beforehand. Share only the exhibit window, not your whole screen, and close other tabs and notifications. Ask "Your Honor, may I share my screen to show Exhibit 1?" before you share, and stop sharing when you're done.
If you get disconnected, rejoin immediately. If you can't, call the court coordinator.

Based on TexasLawHelp.org Tips for the Courtroom, plus typical Texas local rules. Practice with the Virtual Judge