March 21st, 2020
On March 17, 2020, the Merced Superior Court (Court) announced its plan to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19, which included a number of court operational changes. Court administration has been carefully monitoring the advice of public and state health officials regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the increasing risks presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become necessary to employ additional and significant measures to protect the health and safety of our community, including court personnel.
The goal of the Merced Superior Court during this unprecedented situation is to protect the safety, health and welfare of court customers, jurors and staff. To this end, we request that individuals refrain from visiting the Court whenever possible. The Court remains open for specific case types that have been determined to be essential matters. Beginning on March 23, 2020, the courtrooms will transition to essential matters. The clerk’s offices will be closed to the public, excluding essential filings limited to, restraining orders, emergency petitions and emergency ex-parte requests. Please see the clerk’s office closure notice on our website www.mercedcourt.org for detailed hours and drop box locations.
Those feeling ill and experiencing flu-like symptoms, have a fever or cough, should not come to the courthouse and are strongly encouraged to conduct judicial business remotely, if possible.
If you are represented by an attorney, please contact your attorney prior to coming to court to determine whether you need to appear at court. In most instances, your attorney can appear for you. All attorneys are encouraged to appear telephonically, if possible. If you are not represented and have not been contacted by the Court, please call the respective clerk’s office for further information. Call (209) 725-4100 for a full directory listing.
If you absolutely feel that you need to come to a court facility, the information below describes what you can expect when you arrive.
Only individuals with having business with the Court should come to court. Please do not bring any friends or family with you; they will not be able to attend the court proceeding and, in many instances, they will be asked to exit the buildings.
The decision for all of the measures taken thus far was not made lightly. The Court remains committed to serving the people of Merced County and while the above measures may result in inconvenience, the Court’s overriding responsibility is to the health and safety of jurors, litigants, courthouse visitors, attorneys, justice partners and court staff. These measures are being taken to exercise the precautions necessary to maintain the safety and welfare of those who visit the courthouse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We appreciate the patience and understanding of the public and our justice partners during these challenging times.
The Court will continue to monitor and assess the situation and update its COVID-19 Information Page on the Court’s website as circumstances evolve.
View the list of each office closure here.
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