Memo suspending in-person Civil/Domestic trials

October 12, 2020

To:CWBA and other interested parties

Memo suspending in-person Civil/Domestic trials

From: Presiding Judge Gary Bashor

Some months back, we had optimistically hoped we would have the COVID-19 situation more under control, and started scheduling some limited in-person civil and domestic trials. Unfortunately, the situation we face today has not improved from when we made that decision. COVID numbers in the county and the state do not appear to be improving. We remain in Phase 2 of the Safe Start Plan.

It is the determination of the Bench under our emergency rule allowing in-person hearings if approved by a Judge, that currently scheduled in-person civil or domestic cases starting the week of October 12 will be heard via ZOOM only. In the event we have available space at the Event Center Courtroom, we will give currently scheduled trials the option to be heard in-person at that facility. We do not have the facility available on Mondays under our current arrangements.

If you do NOT wish to have your trial heard via ZOOM, please file a motion to strike your trial with the Clerk's office. If this is agreed, the orders may be submitted ex parte. If not, these can be scheduled on an appropriate docket on 5 court days notice for consideration.

Please Notify Court Administration of any trials to be stricken.

Pre-Trial Settings for all Family Law Trials:Effective October 12, 2020, the trial assignment docket will also include the setting of a "Pre-Trial Review" three (3) weeks before the trial date for all attorney and self-represented family law matters.The Pre-Trial Review will be on the regular docket for the matter.The goal of this process is to provide a check-in prior to the trial date to ensure witness lists have been exchanged, address any witness availability issues/ Zoom issues, and/or exhibit procedures for virtual trials.