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With the growing concerns around COVID-19, the Texas Supreme Court has issued an emergency order that provides guidance to the local courts.
The emergency order (view it here) has authorized Texas Courts to do the following:
1. modify or suspend any and all deadlines and procedures, for a period not to end later than 30 days after the Governor lifts the state of disaster;
2. allow remote participation in hearings by telephone or video conference; and
3. consider sworn statements made out of court or given remotely.
During this time of court closures, Hunt Law Firm is committed to monitoring the status of courts that remain open to ensure that all up-to-date information about new closures are communicated to our clients in a timely manner. We are staying on top of new court procedures to ensure that emergency cases are heard, and that non-emergency cases that qualify to be submitted by affidavit continue to progress through the system, even if additional courts close.
Notably, the Texas Supreme Court authorized Texas courts to modify or suspend deadlines and procedures, for a period not to end later than 30 days after the Governor lifts the state of disaster. This means even after the coronavirus shutdown ends, courts will likely be backed up and scheduling matters may be impacted over the next few months. We are working with the courts to actively reschedule matters now that can be rescheduled.
Our office staff members are paying close attention to each court’s options for emergency and non-emergency court hearings. As the courts introduce new procedures, we are prepared to present emergency cases to the court to be heard and are prepared to schedule video and telephone appearances for non-emergency cases to ensure that our clients are afforded every opportunity to progress their case through the system. Hunt Law Firm will continue to be proactive as our community weathers the storm of this health crisis.