Submit requests for language interpretation services through eCourtDate. Specify the language, location, date, and whether virtual interpretation is acceptable, then track your pending requests.

### Overview

Many government agencies serve diverse communities where clients speak different languages. The interpreter services feature in eCourtDate lets you request professional interpreters for court hearings, meetings, and other events. You fill out a request form with the language needed, location, date, and whether virtual interpretation is an option. The system tracks your requests so you can monitor their progress and plan accordingly.

- **What it does:** Lets you submit and track language interpretation requests for events and hearings
- **Why it matters:** Ensures limited-English-proficiency clients receive the services they are legally entitled to, while giving your agency a centralized way to manage interpreter logistics
- **Who uses it:** Court clerks, case managers, probation officers, administrators, and any staff coordinating events that require interpretation
- **Expected outcome:** A submitted interpreter request with all necessary details, tracked from submission through fulfillment

### Prerequisites

Before requesting interpreter services, make sure you have:

- An active eCourtDate user account with access to your agency
- The specific language or dialect needed for interpretation
- The date, time, and location (or virtual meeting details) for the event
- Knowledge of whether the event allows virtual interpretation or requires in-person attendance
- Any relevant case or client information to include with the request

### How-To Steps

#### Step 1: Navigate to Interpreter Services

1. Sign in to your eCourtDate agency at [app.ecourtdate.com](https://app.ecourtdate.com).
2. Navigate to the **Interpreter Services** section from the platform menu.
3. The interpreter request page displays the submission form and a list of your existing requests.

#### Step 2: Complete the Request Form

1. Select the **Language** needed for interpretation from the dropdown. Common options include Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Arabic, Haitian Creole, and American Sign Language (ASL), among others.
2. Enter the **Location** where the interpretation will take place. Provide the full address or courtroom identifier.
3. Set the **Due Date** for when the interpretation is needed. This should be the date and time of the scheduled event.
4. Indicate whether **Virtual Interpretation** is acceptable:
   - Select **Yes** if the interpreter can join remotely via video or phone
   - Select **No** if in-person attendance is required at the specified location
5. Add any additional notes, such as the type of proceeding, special terminology expected, or client-specific considerations.

#### Step 3: Submit the Request

1. Review all fields to make sure the language, location, date, and virtual preference are correct.
2. Click **Create** to submit the request.
3. Your request is added to the pending queue and the interpreter coordination team is notified.

#### Step 4: Track Pending Requests

1. Return to the **Interpreter Services** page to view all of your submitted requests.
2. Each request displays its current status, language, location, and due date.
3. Review the status to understand where the request stands:
   - **Pending** - The request has been submitted and is awaiting assignment
   - **Confirmed** - An interpreter has been assigned and confirmed for the event
   - **Completed** - The interpretation service was successfully provided
   - **Canceled** - The request was canceled (by your agency or due to event changes)
4. Click on a specific request to view its full details or make updates.

#### Step 5: Update or Cancel a Request

1. Open the request you need to modify from the pending requests list.
2. Update the **Location**, **Due Date**, **Virtual** preference, or notes as needed.
3. Click **Save** to apply changes.
4. To cancel a request, update the status to **Canceled** and provide a reason in the notes field.

### What to Expect

After submitting an interpreter request, the coordination team reviews it and begins the process of finding a qualified interpreter. You receive updates as the request moves through the workflow. For requests submitted well in advance, assignment typically happens within a few business days. Urgent or last-minute requests may take longer depending on interpreter availability for the specific language and location.

### Best Practices

- **Submit requests as early as possible.** The more lead time you provide, the higher the likelihood of securing an interpreter, especially for less common languages or dialects.
- **Be specific about the location.** Include the building name, courtroom number, and floor if applicable. For virtual events, note the platform (for example, Zoom or Teams) and any access instructions.
- **Indicate virtual availability when possible.** Allowing virtual interpretation expands the pool of available interpreters, particularly for rare languages or rural locations.
- **Include case context in your notes.** Mentioning the type of proceeding (arraignment, probation hearing, jury selection) helps the coordination team match an interpreter with relevant experience.
- **Track your requests regularly.** Check the interpreter services page periodically to confirm assignments, especially for upcoming events. Follow up on any requests that remain in pending status close to the event date.

### Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What languages are available for interpretation?**
A: eCourtDate supports a wide range of languages, including but not limited to Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Arabic, Russian, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and American Sign Language (ASL). If you need a language not listed in the dropdown, enter it in the notes field and the coordination team will work to accommodate the request.

**Q: Can I request an interpreter for a virtual event?**
A: Yes. When completing the request form, select **Yes** for the virtual interpretation option. Provide the virtual meeting link or platform details in the notes so the interpreter can connect remotely. Virtual interpretation is available for most languages and helps agencies in areas where in-person interpreters may not be readily available.

**Q: How far in advance should I submit an interpreter request?**
A: Submit your request at least five to seven business days before the event. This gives the coordination team enough time to source and confirm an interpreter. For less common languages, try to submit requests two weeks or more in advance. Emergency requests are handled on a best-effort basis.

**Q: What happens if an interpreter is not available for my requested date?**
A: The coordination team will contact you if they are unable to fill the request. They may suggest an alternative date, offer virtual interpretation as a substitute for in-person, or help you explore other options such as rescheduling the event.

**Q: Can I submit multiple interpreter requests for the same event?**
A: Yes. If your event involves clients who speak different languages, submit a separate request for each language needed. Each request is tracked independently and can be assigned to a different interpreter.

### Troubleshooting

**Issue:** Your interpreter request still shows as **Pending** close to the event date.
**Symptoms:** The event is scheduled within the next two business days and no interpreter has been confirmed.
**Solution:**

1. Open the request and verify that all details are complete and accurate (correct date, location, and language).
2. Check whether virtual interpretation is enabled. If not, consider updating the request to allow virtual attendance, which may expand the pool of available interpreters.
3. Start a live chat by clicking the **Start a Chat** button in the bottom left corner of the page to escalate the request with the support team.
4. If time is critical, contact the coordination team directly and reference your request details.

**Issue:** You submitted a request for the wrong language or date.
**Symptoms:** After reviewing a submitted request, you notice an error in the language selection or event date.
**Solution:**

1. Open the request from the interpreter services page.
2. Update the incorrect field (language, date, location, or virtual preference).
3. Click **Save** to apply the correction.
4. If an interpreter was already assigned, add a note explaining the change so the coordination team can adjust accordingly.

### Related Articles

- [How to Manage Events](/how-to-manage-events)
- [How to Manage Clients](/how-to-manage-clients)