There are witnesses on the West Coast that could have pertinent testimony. How can I ask the Judge if He’d accept affidavits from such people? I could set up a Skype link to allow interactive long-distance examination. Is this likely to be permitted, and would it require the judge’s prior approval?
It is permitted, but it is at the judge’s discretion. This is something that you should definitely ask for in advance of the hearing so you know whether you need to have your witnesses present.