Preparing for a Hearing

Summary: In short, court hearings are time sensitive matters that require attention to detail and constant communication with all parties involved. Being proactive is the best way to make sure CPT and the source attorney are prepared to address any concerns the court may have. 

Step 1: Determine if CPT Institute will need to attend a hearing.

If the case is classified as the Civil, Probate, or Texas, it may be required that CPT attend a hearing. 

CIVIL COURT HEARING – Civil damages are monetary awards granted when a person suffers a loss due to the wrongful or negligent actions of another party. 

PROBATE COURT HEARING – Probate court is part of the judicial system handling wills, estates, conservatorships, and guardianships. Typically, people who lack capacity and minor cases. 

TEXAS COURT HEARING - In Texas if they lack capacity or minor, the court appoints a G.A.L is an Attorney in Texas. They are the only party to inform the judge what actions they feel are appropriate for the Plaintiff. The Plaintiff and Defense have no authority on this. This is unique to Texas.   

Be sure to clarify this as soon as possible.

ED is the priority person to attend a hearing.

Double check the calendar, the DO can substitute for ED if ED is PTO or in another hearing.

Step 2: Fill in the Hearing Details in the Lead App – Press H to unhide the fields

  • Hearing Date – Add Time
  • Type of Hearing – Civil, Probate, or Texas
  • Dockett – Open, Closed, N/A
    • Ask the attorney if this is an Open or Closed Docket 
    • Just note: Depending on where you are on the docket shows how well the attorney did on the court documentation. Block ED’s Calendar 9 am to noon for am hearings and 1pm to 4pm for afternoon hearings. 
  • Add Documents submitted to the Court (Please see Document Preparation list below)

Step 3: Create a Meeting App Entry on the Executive’s Calendar who will be attending

  • Time – Add Date & Time
  • Meeting – Select Hearing
  • Agenda – Add Location of Hearing
  • DISCLAIMER: Always ask the attorney if they can accommodate a Video/Phone Call for ED’s impairment they will usually grant this.
    • In Person – Add Address > if Executive needs to travel @mention & set a task for DD and EF to plan travel arrangements like hotel, train, flight, etc.
    • Video/Phone Call – Add Call Instructions
  • Availability – Select Busy
  • Related Items – Add Lead File
  • Contacts – Add Attorney
  • Who – Add Executive Attending and Yourself
  •  In Person – You do not need to attend
  • Video/Phone Call - Mark Attending
  • @Mention the Executive to Mark attending on the Hearing Invite
    • Hearing Requested By: Add Yourself
    • Add Documents submitted to the Court (Please see Document Preparation list below)