Legal Question in Family Law in California

An attorney can appear on your behalf, although if your testimony would be needed, that won't really work. Whether you can appear by phone is up to each judge. Every courtroom that I know of that allows telephonic appearances uses CourtCall. You can check whether your assigned judge/courtroom allows CourtCall appearances on the CourtCall website or on the court's website.

Generally an attorney can appear on your behalf. If your testimony is required a declaration under penalty of perjury can done prior to the court appearance and that may suffice. You can also testify in some courts over a computer presentation using video link and a court reporter's office, where you are sworn in. This also depends on if the court and the Judge will allow it. Your attorney should know if the court you are appearing in will allow it.

Good luck