How to Observe a Richmond Small Claims Hearing Online (Public Guide)

Public Guide — How to Observe a BC Provincial Court Hearing Online (Richmond Small Claims)

This page is for public observers (not parties or representatives) who want to attend BC Provincial Court hearings remotely (MS Teams/telephone), with examples tailored to Richmond Provincial Court – Small Claims.

Quick Start: Remote Observation in 3 Steps

Already know the file number, parties, and date/time? Step 2 — Ask the registry for remote observation
Need to find/confirm these details first? Step 1 — Find/confirm the case

  1. Approximately 5–10 days before the hearing, email the registry to request remote public access for a specific date/time — Richmond registry: richmondcourtregistry@gov.bc.ca. Include your full name, city/province, phone, and the file number, parties, and court location. (Template below.)
  2. Watch for the MS Teams link or dial-in — registries often send it the day before or the morning of the hearing.
  3. Join the hearing: MS Teams works in a web browser (the app is recommended). Enter your real name; you’ll wait in the lobby until admitted. Mic/camera off. No recording.

TL;DR

  1. First confirm the case details — file number, court location (Richmond Provincial Court), parties.
  2. Ask the registry for remote observer access to a specific hearing (date/time). Access is discretionary and subject to court directions.
  3. If approved, you’ll receive an MS Teams link or dial-in. Join on time, keep mic/camera off, and do not record.
Note: Case search pages rarely show the type of the upcoming hearing. Use Daily Court Lists for the date, or email the registry to ask.

Step 1 — Find/confirm the case (Richmond Small Claims)

Quick links

Example — File 30698 (Richmond Provincial Court, Small Claims)

  1. Open Search Civil by File Number.
  2. Set:
    • Location: RMD – Richmond Provincial Court
    • Level: P – Provincial
    • Class: C – Small Claims
    • File Number: 30698
    • (optional) Date File Opened range to narrow results
  3. Complete the CAPTCHA → Search.
  4. Check the result table:
    • Location: Richmond Provincial Court
    • File Number: 30698
    • Style of Cause: BIRKUS, Viktor v INDIVIDUALIZED FUNDING RESOURCE CENTRE SOCIETY
    • Classification of File: Provincial — Small Claims
    • Date File Opened / Date Last Updated
CSO search form — example
Screenshot — search form (sample)
CSO result table — example
Screenshot — result table (sample)

Important: CSO confirms file details but usually does not display the next hearing type. Use Daily Court Lists or ask the registry.

Step 2 — Ask the registry for remote observation

How early should I email?

  • Good practice: email 5–10 business days before the hearing. Earlier is fine, but registries often send links the day before or morning of the hearing.
  • Multiple dates: you may request more than one upcoming date for the same case (e.g., Dec 11 and Dec 15). The registry may ask you to re-confirm closer to each date; access remains at the judge’s discretion.

Where to email (Richmond Small Claims)

  • Richmond Provincial Court registry: richmondcourtregistry@gov.bc.ca

What to include (identification & details)

Include enough to identify you and the hearing:

  • Your full name (first + last)
  • City/Province (full address usually not required unless asked)
  • Phone number (for day-of issues)
  • Case details: file number, parties, court location (Richmond Provincial Court)
  • Date & time of the hearing; hearing type if known (e.g., Application, Trial). If unknown, say so.
  • Statement of compliance: you will follow court directions and will not record, photograph, or take screenshots.

Email templates (observer)

1) Initial request

2) Polite follow-up (no reply in 3 business days)

3) Day-before reminder (no link yet)

Step 3 — Join properly (observer etiquette)

  • Join 10 minutes early; enter your real name (First Last).
  • Mic off, camera off unless directed otherwise by the Court.
  • Wait in the lobby until the Court Clerk admits you.
  • No recording / photos / screenshots / live-streams.

What is open to the public?

  • Many open court hearings are presumptively public (subject to capacity and judicial directions).
  • Some case-management or settlement-focused events may be restricted to parties/representatives. When in doubt, ask the registry.

Useful references

Last updated: Oct 30, 2025

Disclaimer: Informational guide only; not legal advice. Court policies change; always check current Notices/Practice Directions and the registry’s instructions.

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