RISK MANAGEMENT ALERT
April 2020
ALERT: Chief Justice Beasley Issues Order Postponing Court Proceedings Until June 1, 2020
On Friday, April 3, 2020, Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issued an order containing seven emergency directives. The order:

  • Postpones court proceedings for a second time to June 1, 2020
  • Continues to direct clerks of court to post notices, such as the attached poster, at court facilities discouraging entry by those infected with COVID-19
  • Authorizes court proceedings to be conducted by remote audio and video transmissions
  • Directs attorneys and others without business before the court to avoid court facilities
  • Allows use of a sworn statement under penalty of perjury rather than notarization for court filings and oaths
  • Allows service of court documents by email
  • Extends the deadline for payment of most fines and fees by 90 days and directs clerks not to report failures to pay court debt to the DMV.
 
For additional details, please see the full announcement .

This order expires on May 1, 2020, but the Chief Justice anticipates extending the directives for an additional 30 days, through the end of the month of May 2020. 

Please note that this Order does not affect Chief Justice Beasley’s Order dated March 19, 2020, in which she ordered that “all pleadings, motions, notices, and other documents and papers that were or are due to be filed in any county of this state on or after 16 March 2020 and before the close of business on 17 April 2020 in civil actions, criminal actions, estates, and special proceedings shall be deemed to be timely filed if they are filed before the close of business on 17 April 2020.” The order also grants a similar extension for “all other acts that were or are due to be done in any county . . . in civil actions, criminal actions, estates, and special proceedings.” See March 19, 2020 updated emergency order .

Y ou should continue to follow the Order dated March 19, 2020, until such time as Chief Justice Beasley enters an Order further extending filing and other deadlines. See the March 19 LM update here .

Lastly, Lawyers Mutual is here to help as you adjust your law firm practices during these trying times.  Lawyers Mutual COVID-19 Response resources are available to you via the website. Let us know how we can assist you. Even in our remote work environments, we continue to work hard to provide services and support to you, our valued insureds.
IMPORTANT NOTE

As a reminder, Lawyers Mutual employees are working remotely at this time. While we have procedures in place to distribute mail, we are unable to receive mail or parcels that require a signature.