What’s changing in the world of California courts? We’ve reviewed all 58 superior court websites looking for important updates and have gathered them here for your information.
For a full list of all California courts and more information about their known status, visit our California courts updates page on the Support Center.
Please note: All resources shared by One Legal are intended as high-level summaries only. For a full picture of each court’s response to the challenges of COVID-19, please visit the individual court website.
Court updates this week
More often than not, updates posted to the court’s website involve specific process changes for single departments or divisions.
However as coronavirus cases in California grow, some courts are re-implementing court holidays and extending other time period guidelines.
Alameda County
In a July 10th release, the Court announced updates to unlawful detainer matters as well as new guidelines for filings such as pleadings, ex parte applications, motions, and more. The Court also amended recent emergency local rules.
Butte County
An Emergency Order of the Presiding Judge updated expectations around the resumption of jury trials and guidelines for court operations.
Humboldt County
On July 9th, the Court added a special announcement to its home page providing quick links to courtroom remote appearance and courtroom live stream pages.
Kern County
The Court announced that electronic court filing would become mandatory for Probate filings on August 3, 2020.
Additional measures for proceedings in Civil, Criminal, and Family case types were announced in a release from the Presiding Judge.
A July 9th General Order announced an extension of the continuance of civil case trials from an earlier Order.
Kings County
A July 15th General Order announced the court would use available technology to conduct proceedings remotely and suspended any rules that would have prevented it. Time periods provided to hold criminal trials was also extended.
Los Angeles County
On July 10th, the Presiding Judge released a General Order that announced Criminal jury trials would resume in August, with protective measures in place. The Order also stated that appointments would be required for in-person services from the Clerk’s Office and other locations. Access to proceedings will be limited, the use of technology is encouraged for remote appearances, and face masks are required.
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Merced County
The Court announced updates to Civil, Criminal, Collections, and other courthouse operations for increased access.
Placer County
In a July 14th Public Notice, the Court announced revisions to emergency local rules to increase remote appearance options and expand list of required remote appearances, in addition to providing information for how to sign up for these resources.
Sacramento County
The Court has declared July 11, 2020 to August 9, 2020 to be holidays for the purpose of computing time for filing all papers not expressly excluded (see the Court’s list), ordered that sessions may be held anywhere in the county, and extended time periods provided within which trials must be held and defendants must be charged.
San Diego County
A General Order on July 16th required the use of face coverings when at the courthouse in addition to establishing screening requirements.
The Court extended the time period provided for the holding of a preliminary examination.
The Court extended the time period provided for the holding of arraignments.
To increase access, the Court has begun offering additional virtual services, including virtual hearings, self-help services, and community outreach and education.
San Mateo County
The Court declared July 13, 2020 to August 11, 2020 to be holidays for the purpose of computing time, announced that court sessions may be held anywhere in the county, and extended several time periods provided within which to take action.
In light of continued restrictions, the Court is implementing updated calendar procedures for Family Law through August 28, 2020.
The Court amended its Emergency Response Calendar Memo Order, suspending Civil, Family Law, LPS, UD, and time waived misdemeanor trials until August 31, among other changes.
Stanislaus County
In a July 14th General Order, the Court extended time periods within which certain actions must be taken and declared that sessions could be held anywhere in the county. The Court also laid out provisions permitting further actions if deemed necessary, pending future Orders.
Tulare County
The Court posted an Administrative Order giving any judge the power to extend timer periods where the statutory deadline would otherwise expire between July 9, 2020 through August 10, 2020.
Yolo County
A General Order from the Court established the authority of the superior court to issue implementation orders related to extending time periods during which an action must be taken and support the use of available technology to conduct proceedings remotely.
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