Petition for dispense with personal attendance

Hello, There are 6 members accused in 498a criminal case. Chagersheet is filed and adjournments are going on from mar-2018. A1 would like to attend adjournments and get exemption for remaining 5 people for attending every adjournment . I have requested the lawyer to file petition for dispense with personal attendence for the remaining 5 people. But the lawyer is saying , we need to wait until the cross examination is completed. Is this correct? It is very difficult for 6 people to attend the court for each adjournments because small kids are there for some members. Please clarify.