CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 LEGAL UPDATE (II)

TO:        All Interested Parties
FROM:  Law Office of Trevor G. Jackson

The following information provides the current status of the Courts and some further guidance as we continue navigating the impacts caused by COVID-19.  It’s recommended that you check your local Superior Court’s website for the emergency orders now in effect, as each court has its own policies.  This update is specific to the Superior Court of California, County of Napa.
 
As of March 17, 2020, the Court restricted public access.  Except for certain criminal and emergency family law proceedings, all matters have been stayed (put on hold) through and including April 10, 2020.  As of April 2, 2020, this order remains in effect.
 
On March 30, 2020, the Court announced the implementation of audio/video-conferencing technology for certain criminal and juvenile matters, and its plan to expand this technology for civil and non-emergency family law matters.
 
On April 1, 2020, the Court issued an advisory concerning child custody matters.  Among other things, it clarified that any visitation orders based on school breaks/holidays remain in effect (despite school closures), and that the COVID-19 outbreak alone is not sufficient basis to deny parenting time.  The Court issued additional guidelines as it relates to child exchanges, supervised visitations, travel, health & and safety issues, and make-up time as a result of the novel coronavirus. 
 
Accordingly, it appears that any court hearings on certain non-emergency family law matters will become available as the Court implements its audio/video-conferencing technology platform.  The Court will continue reviewing emergency family law matters per the current order.
 
While our office is closed to the general public, we remain in operation.  Clients are welcome to contact this office by email or telephone per the standard practice.  As part of our social distancing, sanitation, and further risk-mitigation measures at the office, we are restricting in-person meetings at this time.  We are not accepting any walk-ins, but are offering telephonic or videoconferencing consultations for new potential clients who may contact us by using the following link: https://www.napalawoffice.com/contact.html