On Friday, March 13, 2020, officials of Wake County Superior Court announced that some but not all pending court cases will be postponed for at least 30 days. The Court’s memorandum to members of the Tenth Judicial District Bar may be found here. If you have a case that is scheduled to be heard within the next 30 days, you should contact your attorney or, if you do not have an attorney, Court personnel to find out when you can expect to be notified of your new court date. The best way to contact the Court is by e-mail at WakeCourtHotLine@nccourts.org. Contact information for Court personnel may be found here.
Some things to keep in mind:
The Court’s action does not apply to cases in which a jury has already been impaneled.
The Court’s action does not extend filing deadlines or statutes of limitations.
Court offices will remain open for business.
Online court services are available for handling some court business, such as making payments and signing up for court date notifications.
The Clerk of Superior Court will accept filings during normal office hours, conduct guardianship hearings, involuntary commitment proceedings, estate administration services, but estate hearings and special proceedings will be postponed for 30 days.
The Magistrate’s Office will remain open for the processing of criminal proceedings, including arrest warrants, magistrate orders, criminal summonses, initial appearances, bond hearings, and juvenile proceedings.
All Small Claims Court proceedings will be suspended.
Domestic Violence Court will continue to operate.
District Court will be operating daily to hear emergency and time-sensitive matters including motions for injunctions, motions to stay eviction, and requests for no-contact orders pursuant to the Workplace Violence Prevention Act.
Certain criminal case proceedings will proceed in District Court and Superior Court.
Civil cases in District and Superior Courts will be rescheduled after 30 days.
© Andrew Whiteman 2020
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