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Updates and Information Regarding Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
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The Santa Clara County Superior Court is committed to protecting the health and safety of our community while performing our Constitutional duties.

At this time, the Palo Alto Courthouse is completely closed to the public. The Morgan Hill Courthouse is open only for hearings. The Morgan Hill Courthouse clerk's office is closed to the public.

See the steps that the Superior Court is taking to protect the safety of everyone who enters the courthouse.
Watch the video here: Safe In Court Video.

This page provides updates and information regarding Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), including:

  1. Temporary Emergency Orders of the Judicial Council of California
  2. General Orders of the Presiding Judge
  3. Court Division Orders and Notices
  4. Press Releases
  5. Contact the Court
  6. Changes to Court Operations
  7. Court FAQs
  8. Judicial Proceedings / Court Hearings
  9. Options to Avoid Physically Coming to a Courthouse
  10. CourtCall
  11. COVID-19 Resources
  12. COVID-19 Prevention Program

1. Temporary Emergency Orders of the Judicial Council of California

Temporary Emergency Orders of the Judicial Council of California (April 6, 2020)

2. General Orders of the Presiding Judge

Amended Standing Order Re: Unadjudicated Misdemeanor (August 18, 2021)

General Order Rescinding Portion Of May 6, 2020 General Order Concerning Complex Civil Actions (July 7,2021)

General Order Re: Face Coverings And Social Distancing (June 25, 2021)

Order Extending Bail Schedule to January 31, 2022 (June 22, 2021)

Order Authorizing Citation and Release of Certain Individuals (June 22, 2021)

General Order Regarding Courthouse Entry (June 18, 2021)

General Order Rescinding the General Order Prohibiting Eating in Courthouses (June 16, 2021)

General Order Re: Criminal Trial Deadlines Extended to June 18, 2021 (May 14, 2021)

General Order Re: Juvenile Matters Extended to June 2, 2021 (April 30, 2021)

General Order Re: Criminal Trial Deadlines Extended to May 18, 2021 (March 15, 2021)

General Order Re: Juvenile Matters Extended to May 2, 2021 (April 1, 2021)

General Order Re: Criminal Trial Deadlines Extended to April 17, 2021 (March 12, 2021)

General Order Restricting Courthouse Entry (March 9, 2021)

Standing Order Re: Early Civil Mandatory Settlement Conferences (March 2, 2021)

General Order Re: Juvenile Matters Extended to April 1, 2021 (March 2, 2021)

General Order Re: Criminal Trial Deadlines Extended to March 17, 2021 (February 10, 2021)

General Order Re: Juvenile Matters Extended to March 2, 2021 (February 2, 2021)

General Order Re: Order Extending Bail Schedule To June 30, 2021 (January 29, 2021)

General Order Re: Criminal Trial Deadlines Extended to February 14, 2021 (January 12, 2021)

General Order Re: Order Extending Bail Schedule (January 26, 2021)

General Order Re: Criminal Trial Deadlines Extended to February 14, 2021 (January 12, 2021)

3. Court Division Orders and Notices

APPELLATE Order Date
ORDER: EXTENDING APPELLATE DIVISION DEADLINES March 30, 2020

 

CIVIL Order Date
NOTICE DIVISION OPERATIONS May 1, 2020
CIVIL LOCAL RULE 8F Effective August 25, 2020
CIVIL LOCAL RULE 16 Effective August 25, 2020
SMALL CLAIMS FORM SC-8022 Effective September 18, 2020

 

CRIMINAL Order Date
STANDING ORDER: DEFERRING SURRENDER DATES March 18, 2020
STANDING ORDER: SHERIFF’S OFFICE March 20, 2020

 

FAMILY VIOLENCE CALENDAR

 

FAMILY Order Date
ORDER: REMOTE MEDIATION April 7, 2020
NOTICE: CHILD CUSTODY AND VISITATION POLICIES December 31, 2020
NOTICE RE: FAMILY DIVISION OPERATIONS Effective August 2, 2021
INFORMATION: REMOTE APPEARANCES Effective August 6, 2021

 

GENERAL COURT & ADMINISTRATION Order Date
GENERAL COURT AND ADMINISTRATION LOCAL RULE 6 Effective August 25, 2020

 

JUVENILE DEPENDENCY Order Date
ORDER MODIFYING DEPENDENCY COURT-ORDERED VISITATION December 18, 2020

 

JUVENILE JUSTICE Order Date
TEMPORARY PROTOCOL April 1, 2020
TEMPORARY PROTOCOL May 5, 2020
ELECTRONIC MONITORING / COMMUNITY RELEASE PROGRAM PROTOCOL May 5, 2020
ELECTRONIC MONITORING / COMMUNITY RELEASE PROGRAM PROTOCOL May 29, 2020
TEMPORARY PROTOCOL June 1, 2020
TEMPORARY PROTOCOL August 10, 2020
TEMPORARY PROTOCOL December 10, 2020
TEMPORARY PROTOCOL July 11, 2021

 

PROBATE Order Date
ORDER RE: TELEPHONIC APPEARANCES FOR ALL COURT HEARINGS UNDER THE LANTERMAN-PETRIS-SHORT ACT March 24, 2020
GENERAL ORDER ON APPEARANCE OF CONSERVATEES AND INVOLUNTARY PATIENTS April 9, 2020
ORDER EXTENDING AUTHORIZATION FOR TELEPHONIC APPEARANCE IN ALL COURT HEARINGS UNDER LPS ACT May 14, 2020
ORDER RE: TELEPHONIC APPEARANCES FOR CONSERVATORSHIP HEARINGS May 15, 2020
PROBATE LOCAL RULE 1 Effective March 23, 2021
PROBATE LOCAL RULE 2C & FORM PB-4080 Effective March 23, 2021

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4. Press Releases

August 30, 2021 Rent Assistance Event At The Court  The Santa Clara County Superior Court is holding an event on Thursday, September 2, 2021, to assist landlords and residents unable to pay rent due to COVID-19

July 29, 2021 Color of Justice: Raise Your Voice For Justice 

July 15, 2021 Law Day 2021: Advancing The Rule Of Law, Now 

July 12, 2021 Court Seeks Candidates for Public Watchdog Agency 

June 26, 2021 The Santa Clara County Superior Court Updates COVID-19 Pandemic Health and Safety Orders 

June 23, 2021 Santa Clara County Superior Court Extends Zero Bail Schedule To January 31, 2022 

May 27, 2021 I Am An American, A Short Film Commemorating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month 

May 6, 2021 Santa Clara County Superior Court Celebrates Juror Appreciation Week May 10–14, 2021 

April 23, 2021 Santa Clara County Superior Court Hosts Online Young Women’s Power Lunch 

March 25, 2021 Jessica Delgado Sworn In As Superior Court Judge 

March 25, 2021 Presiding Judge Theodore C. Zayner Issues Statement Condemning Anti-Asian American Pacific Islander Attacks 

March 15, 2021 Story Time With The Santa Clara County Superior Court  The Santa Clara County Superior Court is pleased to announce the launch of its Story Time video library for children, their families and their teachers

March 9, 2021 Clerk’s Offices NOW OPEN for in-person business - masks required  

February 26, 2021 Read Across America With Glen View Elementary 2021  Using teleconference technology, judicial officers from Santa Clara County Superior Court visit students from Glen View Elementary to celebrate Read Across America

February 2, 2021 We Are Committed To Achieving Equality And Justice For All  Court Equality and Social Justice Committee’s Video Public Service Announcement Available For Viewing

January 29, 2021 Santa Clara County Superior Court Extends Emergency Bail Schedule to June 30, 2021 

January 20, 2021 Fred T. Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution: Building Coalitions to Fight for Racial Justice  Court Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Fred T. Korematsu in virtual event held on January 30, 2021

January 4, 2021 Santa Clara County Superior Court Welcomes Christine Garcia-Sen to the Bench 

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5. Contact the Court

     In your message, please provide the following information:

               • Name
               • Case number or juror number
               • Current mailing address and telephone number
               • Date, time and location of appearance.

               Phone:

                    Click here for Court Telephone Numbers

               Email:

                     Please locate the appropriate Division or Area of the Court related to your inquiry.

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6. Changes to Court Operations

Please note the following changes to court operations effective March 17, 2020, click on a link below to go to that section:

CIVIL

  • Motions may be submitted without a hearing date, Calendar clerks will be assigning the hearing date based on availability, once the motion is processed. When the hearing is set you will be able to view it in your case on: Superior Court-Case Information Portal .
  • Court information regarding Unlawful Detainers / Evictions can be found here .
  • Certain cities have their own rules regarding Unlawful Detainer / Evictions found here: San Jose  and Mountain View .
  • A drop box is available for filings in the lobby and the court’s e-file system remains available for submissions. Pleadings will be collected and processed in date order they are received.
  • Small Claims Mediation Options 

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CRIMINAL

  • Time waived trials are called on Monday mornings in Department 24
  • Both in and out of custody arraignments from all Santa Clara County Superior Court facilities will be heard at the Hall of Justice at 190 W. Hedding St., San Jose, CA 95110 until further notice.
  • All preliminary examinations from all Santa Clara County Superior Court facilities will be heard as scheduled at the Hall of Justice at 190 W. Hedding St., San Jose, CA 95110 until further notice.
  • In custody felony pleas from all Santa Clara County Superior Court facilities will be heard at the Hall of Justice at 190 W. Hedding St., San Jose, CA 95110 beginning May 11, 2020, until further notice.
  • All misdemeanor cases (in and out of custody) will be heard will be heard at the Hall of Justice at 190 W. Hedding St., San Jose, CA 95110 until further notice.
  • Collaborative courts (departments 62 and 63) recommenced hearing matters Monday, August 3, 2020.

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FAMILY

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:

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JUVENILE COURTS

Juvenile Justice

  • All Juvenile Justice out-of-custody hearings will be continued on a rolling basis for 30 to 60 days depending on the type of hearing. Detentions, Jurisdiction hearings and emergency in-custody requests will be combined on one morning calendar each day.

Juvenile Dependency

  • All dependency matters are being heard at this time with the following exceptions:
    • All non-minor dependent hearings are being handled by stipulation without in-court hearings.
    • All Medication Progress Reviews are being handled by stipulation without in-court hearings.
  • Dependency morning hearings are being conducted using remote technology, specifically Microsoft Teams.
    • In-person hearings will resume in August at a date to be determined, but could be as early as August 2.
    • Where a party has the capability to appear via video (as opposed to audio only), the party is expected to have the camera turned on so the court and other attendees may see the party.
    • The party’s attorney will share the Microsoft Teams link with the party prior to the hearing.
    • Parties are reminded that juvenile dependency matters are confidential. While appearing remotely, the party should ensure that others are not able to see or hear the proceedings.
    • Any party who appears at the Family Justice Center Courthouse in person will be assisted in appearing remotely using a computer the court will make available.
  • A representative from Dependency Advocacy Center will assist the party in getting set up on the computer in order to appear remotely
  • Any party who intends to appear at Family Justice Center Courthouse in person should advise his attorney in advance of his/her plans to be at the courthouse in person.
  • All afternoon dependency matters are now being held in person. No remote appearances are allowed.

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MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT / COLLABORATIVE COURTS

  • The Collaborative Courts are currently utilizing a hybrid approach to court hearings that permits court participants to either come into the courtroom or participate remotely by phone or video..
  • For Criminal Drug Treatment Court (DTC) participants (Prop 36 or PDP), if they have questions they should contact their probation officer or their attorney.
  • For Dependency Wellness Court (DWC) participants, if they have questions they should contact their social worker or attorney.
  • For Family Law Treatment Court (FLTC) participants, if they have questions they should contact FLTC coordinator Noemi Barnett at 408-534-5769 or at .
  • For YADEJ participants, they should contact their probation officer or attorney.
  • For Truancy CARE Court participants, they should contact their attorney (if they have one) or Deputy District Attorney Alisha Schoen at 408-808-3766 .
  • Assistance available by phone:
    • Substance use treatment programs 1-800-488-9919 
    • Mental health assistance 1-800-704-0900 
    • Crisis and suicide hotline 1-855-278-4204 

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TRAFFIC

  • All Traffic matters currently scheduled for Court will be continued on a rolling basis. Notice of new hearing and trial dates will be mailed to all parties. Please check the Court’s online portal for more information about your individual case.
  • Tickets can be paid online or by phone: 408-878-0098 .
  • Request a Fine Reduction Online MyCitations: Ability to Pay Tool .

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JURY SERVICES

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SELF HELP CENTER/FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR'S OFFICE/RESTRAINING ORDER HELP CENTER

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7. Court FAQs

This section provides updates and information regarding Court FAQs, including:

  1. Probate Court FAQ

1. PROBATE COURT FAQ:

What kinds of cases are currently being heard?

Effective March 22, 2021, all case types will be heard on calendars as follows:

Mondays, Dept. 5: 9:00 a.m. - General Probate
  9:01 a.m. - Initial Administration of Estate Petitions
  10:00 a.m. - Motions and Ex Parte Hearings
  10:30 a.m. - Status Conference
   
Tuesdays, Dept. 13: 9:00 a.m.- LPS Consent, 6500 Petitions
  9:15 a.m. - LPS Court Trials
  10:45 a.m. - LPS Writ Hearings, Meredith Hearings
   
Tuesdays, Dept. 5: 1:30 p.m. - Conservatorship Appointment/Modification/Termination Calendar
   
Wednesdays, Dept. 13: 9:00 a.m. - General Probate
(Week 1) 9:01 a.m. - Initial Administration of Estate Petitions
  10:00 a.m. - Motions and Ex Parte Hearings
  11:00 a.m. - Adoptions
Wednesdays, Dept. 5: 1:30 p.m. - Evidentiary Hearings
  1:35 p.m. - Minor’s Compromise
   
Wednesdays, Dept. 5: 9:00 a.m. - General Probate
(Week 2) 9:01 a.m. - Initial Administration of Estate Petitions
  10:00 a.m. - Motions and Ex Parte Hearings
  11:00 a.m. - Adoptions
  1:30 p.m. - Evidentiary Hearings
  1:35 p.m. - Minor’s Compromise
   
Thursdays, Dept. 13: 9:00 a.m. - General Probate
  9:01 a.m. - Initial Administration of Estate Petitions
  9:05 a.m. - Compliance OTA
  10:00 a.m. - Ex parte Hearings
  10:30 a.m. - Status Conferences
  1:15 p.m. - Firearms Relinquishment
  1:30 p.m. - Evidentiary Hearings, Writs, Murphy and Meredith Hearings

At this time, we are not hearing any matters on Fridays. Check back here for updates as we continue to add proceedings.

Calendars with no appearances:

Effective April 1, 2021, matters on the Compliance Calendar (set for 10:00 a.m. on Fridays) will be reviewed for compliance, but no hearings will be held on Fridays. If compliance has been met, the matter will be taken off calendar. If an accounting or other obligation is still outstanding, the case will be set for an Order to Appear to Show Cause why the accounting or obligation has not been filed or satisfied. Those matters will be set on Thursdays at 9:05 a.m. in Department 13 and on Mondays at 9:15 a.m. in Department 5.

Name Change matters are once again being processed, although there is a significant backlog. As has always been the case, there are no hearings for name change matters (except in cases with an objection, which are specially set). The status of a name change petition may be found by accessing the Court’s Public Portal at Public Portal - Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara (scscourt.org), searching by case number or party name, and then looking under the Events tab. Once the name change petition has been granted, there will be an entry labeled, “Decree: Name Change.” The decree may be picked up in the Civil Records Office or a copy may be requested by mail.

How do I appear remotely?

For all hearings, it is expected parties will appear via Microsoft Teams application using either the video or call option. Members of the public may also observe a hearing using Microsoft Teams. Effective April 1, 2021, telephonic appearances using Court Call and observation of hearings using the public access telephone line will no longer be available in Departments 5 and 13. At this time, parties are not required to notify other parties of the intent to appear remotely by Microsoft Teams, but may wish to do so as a courtesy. More information about how to access the links needed to access a Microsoft Teams meeting can be found here: Family/Probate Video Hearings (Microsoft Teams) - The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara (scscourt.org). In-person access to the Courthouse remains restricted. See attached General Order Restricting Courthouse Entry (scscourt.org). All persons entering the Courthouse must wear face coverings and follow social distancing protocols.

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8. Judicial Proceedings / Court Hearings

Please visit the Superior Court-Case Information Portal to determine when and where your upcoming court hearing will take place.

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9. Options to avoid physically coming to a courthouse

If you are currently experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 (or any flu-like symptoms) and have business with the Court, please consider the following options that are available to you to minimize the need to come to a courthouse:

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10. CourtCall

During this time the Court strongly encourages the practice of social distancing and the use of CourtCall (1-888-88-COURT) to appear telephonically, as permitted by law under California Rules of Court, rule 3.670, whenever possible.

As courts are allowing more telephonic appearances and shortening the related scheduling deadlines in response to the COVID-19 crisis, CourtCall will waive any and all late fees that it is otherwise entitled to collect in any and all courts served in the United States and Canada for all CourtCall Appearances scheduled between March 12, 2020 and April 30, 2020.

 

11. COVID-19 Resources:

For more information about COVID-19, please visit the following webpages:

 

12. COVID-19 Prevention Program

COVID-19 Prevention Program 

Procedures for Employee COVID-19 Exposures and Positive Tests 

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