The San Diego Superior Court was closed to the public for non-emergency services from March 17 – May 22, 2020. The Court has resumed most services as of May 26, 2020, though in-person services will continue to be limited in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q: Now that the Court has resumed services, should I come in-person for any court-related needs?

A: Not necessarily. The COVID-19 pandemic is still of great concern and one of the best ways to prevent the spread of the disease is to avoid in-person contact. Many of the Court’s usual activities will be handled online, over the phone or through video conference. Please see the FAQs for your case type for more details on what can be handled remotely. Emergency-related needs (temporary restraining orders, landlord-tenant matters and more) can still be accessed in-person.

Q: What precautions are being taken by the Court to reduce the risk of COVID-19 community spread?

A: For one, the Court is still limiting the number of people who are actually entering the courthouse to those who need emergency services. Several additional steps are being taken:

  • The Court is actively working to convert in-person services to remote, online, video and telephone services, allowing the public to conduct business without coming to the courthouse.
  • All Court visitors and employees are asked to maintain social distance and are required to wear a mask.
  • Everyone will be screened by temperature reading before entering any Court facility, in accordance with the County’s Health Order. This includes the public, justice partners, other agencies, employees and judicial officers. Temperature checks will be conducted by the Sheriff’s Department using a no-touch forehead thermometer.
  • Plexiglas barriers have been installed at business offices that previously did not have them.
  • High-touch surfaces (door handles, elevator buttons, countertops, etc.) are on an increased cleaning schedule.
  • Additional hand sanitizer dispensers and kiosks throughout court facilities.

Q: What happens if I come to the courthouse, but have a temperature over 100 degrees?

A: In most cases, if you have a high temperature, you should contact your medical provider for additional instruction. If you are at the Court for an emergency restraining order, you can still be assisted from outside of the building, but you must maintain social distance and wear a mask while being assisted.

Q: Do I still have jury duty?

A: Jury trials are not being scheduled at this time. Please look for future jury duty notices in the mail.

Q: I had a pending hearing during the Court’s COVID-19 closure. How do I re-schedule? My hearing was on the calendar for after the Court’s re-opening. Is it still happening?

A: This depends on your case type. Please click to the FAQs for your relevant case type for more detailed answer:

  • Civil
  • Temporary Restraining Orders
  • Unlawful Detainer
  • Criminal
  • Traffic
  • Family
  • Juvenile
  • Probate

View the full notice here.

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