Since Covid-19 began shutting down in person court procedures, our court has utilized zoom to continue moving dockets. We do see many benefits to keeping zoom proceedings as an option to litigants and
attorneys after we are back to full time in person dockets.In probate court there are many witnesses from out of the county as well as out of state. Virtual hearings have allowed witnesses to come to court without the inconvenience and expense of travel.
We have also seen that many pro se families in guardianship matters are appearing with more frequency. We initially thought technology would be an issue, but we found that leaving home was actually more difficult for these individuals and virtual court has lessened the burden for these families.
If Senate Bill 690 passes you can count on CCL4 to continue providing access to justice both in person and through virtual processes.
VIRTUAL COURT PROCEEDINGS HAVE INCREASED ACCESS TO JUSTICE STATEWIDE. Accordingly, I filed Senate Bill 690, which would allow courts to hold virtual hearings even after we return to “normal” and resume
in-person gatherings. We want to make it easier for litigants to have their day in court and obtain adequate representation, while protecting constitutional rights.
