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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 and Morgan Hill Courthouses are completely closed to the public and no hearings are taking place at these locations.
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:
- Temporary Emergency Orders of the Judicial Council of California
- General Orders of the Presiding Judge
- Court Division Orders and Notices
- Press Releases
- Contact the Court
- Changes to Court Operations
- Court FAQs
- Judicial Proceedings / Court Hearings
- Options to Avoid Physically Coming to a Courthouse
- CourtCall
- COVID-19 Resources
- FAQs about the Local Health Officer Shelter in Place Order
- Social Distancing Protocols: Site-Specific Protection Plans
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
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)
General Order Re: Juvenile Matters Extended to January 31, 2021 (December 30, 2020)
General Order: Eating Not Permitted in the Courthouse (December 18, 2020)
General Order Re: Criminal Trial Deadlines Extended to January 14, 2021 (December 10, 2020)
General Order Restricting Courthouse Entry (December 1, 2020)
General Order Re: Juvenile Matters Extended to December 31, 2020 (November 30, 2020)
General Order Re: Criminal Trial Deadlines Extended to December 14, 2020 (November 12, 2020)
Amended General Order on Face Coverings (November 3, 2020)
General Order Re: Juvenile Matters Extended to November 30, 2020 (October 30, 2020)
General Order Re: Criminal Trials Deadlines Extended (October 14, 2020)
Amended General Order Re: CRC 10.500 Requests (October 8, 2020)
General Order Re: Juvenile Matters Extended to October 30, 2020 (September 29, 2020)
General Order Re: Extension of Criminal Trials (September 10, 2020)
Order Approving Electronic Signatures for Department of Child Support Services (September 4, 2020)
General Order Re: Unlawful Detainers and Juvenile Justice Filings (September 1, 2020)
General Order Extending Bail Schedule (August 26, 2020)
General Order Re: Criminal Trials Deadlines Extended (August 12, 2020)
General Order Re: Civil Grand Jury Transition (August 10, 2020)
Amended General Order Re: Business Office Hours Effective August 17, 2020 (August 10, 2020)
General Order Re: Business Office Hours Effective August 17, 2020 (August 7, 2020)
General Order Re: Unlawful Detainer, Juvenile Matters Extended to August 31, 2020 (July 31, 2020)
General Order Re: Extending Statutory Deadlines Criminal Trials (July 15, 2020)
General Order: Unlawful Detainers, Juvenile Justice filings (July 1, 2020)
Order – Amended Bail Schedule (June 23, 2020)
Interim Order Re: Bail Schedule Effective June 20, 2020 (June 18, 2020)
General Order Re: Temporary Judge Requirements (June 16, 2020)
General Order Re: Courthouse Access Effective June 15, 2020 (June 11, 2020)
Order Re: Closure of Santa Clara Superior Court on June 1, 2020 (June 1, 2020)
General Order Juvenile Matters (May 18, 2020)
General Order Re: Face Coverings Required in Courthouses (May 12, 2020)
General Order on Court Operations with Attached Table (May 8, 2020)
General Order Re: Complex Civil Actions (May 6, 2020)
General Order Re: Release of Hold Upon Arrangement of Payment Plan (May 01, 2020)
Santa Clara Implementation Order for PC 825 and 859b (May 01, 2020)
General Order Emergency Relief (April 29, 2020)
General Order Re: Extended Due Dates for Traffic Matters (April 23, 2020)
General Order Juvenile Matters (April 16, 2020)
General Order Statewide Emergency Bail Schedule (April 10, 2020)
General Order on Appearance of Conservatees and Involuntary Patients (April 9,2020)
General Order on Court Operations (April 3, 2020)
General Order Emergency Relief (April 1, 2020)
Order Amending 2020 Bail Schedule (April 1, 2020)
General Order Courthouse Entry (March 23, 2020)
General Order Access to Ex-Parte (March 23, 2020)
General Order Emergency Relief #2 (March 18, 2020)
General Order Emergency Relief #1 (March 18, 2020)
General Order Emergency Relief (March 16, 2020)
3. Court Division Orders and Notices
- Appellate
- Civil
- Criminal
- Family
- General Court & Administration
- Juvenile Dependency
- Juvenile Justice
- Probate
| 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 |
| 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 | March 19, 2020 |
| ORDER MODIFYING DEPENDENCY COURT-ORDERED VISITATION | April 13, 2020 |
| ORDER MODIFYING DEPENDENCY COURT-ORDERED VISITATION | April 30, 2020 |
| ORDER MODIFYING DEPENDENCY COURT-ORDERED VISITATION | May 29, 2020 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
June 1, 2021 Santa Clara County Superior Court Celebrates Juror Appreciation Week May 10–14, 2021
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 PR 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
December 29, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Applauds the Chief Justice’s Efforts to Fast Track Criminal Matters
December 18, 2020 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury Releases FY 2019-20 Reports
December 15, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Courts Remain Open for Emergency Matters During the COVID-19 Pandemic
December 7, 2020 Changes to Santa Clara County Superior Court Operations: December 2020
December 1, 2020 Order Limiting Courthouse Entry To Reduce Spread Of COVID-19
November 24, 2020 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury Discharge and Impanelment to Be Held December 17
November 12, 2020 Examination, Education, and Action: The Santa Clara County Superior Court Equality and Social Justice Committee
November 6, 2020 Backlogs and Longer Case Processing Times: How to Contact the Superior Court During COVID-19
November 3, 2020 Amended General Order Regarding Face Coverings Required in Courthouses
October 20, 2020 CourtStack Receives “Best In California” Award for IT Collaboration From Government Technology Magazine
October 8, 2020 The Superior Court Welcomes Judge Luis Ramos to the Bench
September 22, 2020 “We The People, Voting Rights and You”, The Santa Clara Superior Court Announces Voting Education Initiative
September 18, 2020 The Santa Clara County Superior Court Bench Elect New Leadership for 2021-2022
September 17, 2020 Santa Clara County Judicial Officers Leverage Technology to Educate 5th Grade Students about the Constitution
September 9, 2020 Traffic Court Updates and Information
September 8, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Welcomes Commissioner Erik S. Johnson to the Bench
September 2, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Announces CARE COURT: Court for Achieving Re-engagement with Education
August 27, 2020 Presiding Judge Deborah A. Ryan Honored by the Santa Clara County Bar Association Women Lawyers’ Section
August 26, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Extends Emergency Bail Schedule To January 31, 2021
August 17, 2020 Public Notice: Change to Self Help Center and Restraining Order Help Center Hours
August 10, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Adds New Online Ability to Pay Tool for Traffic Court Defendants
August 10, 2020 Court Seeks Candidates for Public Watchdog Agency Recruitment begins for 2021 Civil Grand Jury panel
August 8, 2020 Public Notice: Change to Office Hours for Santa Clara County Superior Court
August 4, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Convenes Fresh Air Court for Young Adults Deferred Entry of Judgment
July 22, 2020 Juvenile Justice Youth Win Law Day Poster Contest with Powerful Image of Single Fist
July 9, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Hosts Program on Criminal Justice Reform: The Color of Justice
July 8, 2020 Live Chat Now Available for Self-Represented Litigants Seeking Assistance With The Self-Help Center
June 30, 2020 State Budget Effect on the Santa Clara County Superior Court
June 24, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Extends Current Bail Schedule To September 1, 2020
June 18, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Issues Interim Order to Extend Emergency Bail Schedule
June 18, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Jury Trials to Resume with Enhanced Social Distancing Protocols
June 17, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Expansion of Judicial Proceedings and Court Services
May 31, 2020 Presiding Judge Deborah A. Ryan Orders the Closure Of The Santa Clara County Superior Court on June 1, 2020
May 15, 2020 Juror Appreciation Week in Santa Clara County Superior Court
May 14, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Requires Use of Face Coverings While in Court
May 8, 2020 The Santa Clara County Superior Court to Expand Judicial Proceedings and Court Operations in May
May 6, 2020 Brooke A. Blecher Sworn in as Judge of the Santa Clara County Superior Court
April 28, 2020 Santa Clara County Traffic Court Information
April 27, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Video Hearings and Remote Courtroom Access During COVID-19 Pandemic
April 24, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Expunges Marijuana Convictions
April 22, 2020 Important Family Law Information
for Santa Clara County
April 10, 2020 General Order RE:
Statewide Emergency Bail Schedule
April 6, 2020 Superior Court Appoints a New Commissioner
April 3, 2020 General Order RE: Implementation of Emergency Relief
April 1, 2020 Santa Clara Superior Court Authorizes Citation and Release of Certain Individuals Due to COVID-19
March 27, 2020 Public Access to Court for Emergency Motions
March 27, 2020 Unlawful Detainer (Evictions) Information
March 26, 2020 Traffic Court Information
March 24, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Restricts Visitors Entering the Courthouse
March 17, 2020 Superior Court Operations During Shelter in Place
March 13, 2020 Santa Clara County Superior Court Issues Emergency Orders
March 12, 2020 Traffic Court Payments by Phone
March 09, 2020 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information
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.
| Division or Area of the Court | Contact by Email |
| Civil | sscivilinfo@scscourt.org |
| Criminal | sscriminfo@scscourt.org |
| Family | ssfamilyinfo@scscourt.org |
| Jury | ssjuryinfo@scscourt.org |
| Juvenile | ssjuvinfo@scscourt.org |
| Probate | ssprobinfo@scscourt.org |
| Small Claims | sssclaimsinfo@scscourt.org |
| Traffic | sstrafficinfo@scscourt.org |
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
- Criminal
- Family
- Juvenile Courts
- Mental Health Treatment/Collaborative Courts
- Traffic
- Jury Services
- Self Help Center/Family Law Facilitator's Office/Restraining Order Help Center
- Winter Holiday Closure and Furlough Schedule
- Pursuant to the General Orders implementing emergency relief issued by Presiding Judge Deborah A. Ryan, the periods from March 17, 2020, to March 27, 2020, inclusive, and March 30th and April 28, 2020, and April 29 and May 29, 2020, inclusive, are deemed holidays for purposes of computing time for filing papers with the court.
- Parties and counsel are strongly encouraged to arrange for telephonic appearances through CourtCall.
- A public access phone line will be provided for listen-only participants.
- 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 .
- Ex parte applications for case management departments are now being accepted via E-filing or drop box. The matters are only heard remotely and may take up to 24-48 hours for processing.
- 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 .
- All General probate matters scheduled for hearing starting August 3, 2020 will resume. Please check the Court’s online portal for more information about your individual case.
- 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
- Time waived trials are called on Monday mornings in Department 24
- Please contact your attorney of record to verify the new date for your time waived trial or time waived preliminary examination.
- 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.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:
- In Departments 66, 71, 72, 75 and 76, all attorneys are required to appear for all hearings using Microsoft Teams. All self-represented litigants who are able to do so are required to appear for all hearings using Microsoft Teams. The remote hearing links can be accessed at www.scscourt.org by clicking “Family Video Hearings Pilot.” Instructions for logging into the hearings are attached.
- In Departments 64, 65, 73, 74, 77, 78 and 79, all attorneys are required to arrange for telephonic appearances using CourtCall for all status conferences. All self-represented litigants who are able to do so are required to arrange for telephonic appearances through CourtCall for all status conferences. Attorneys and self-represented litigants are strongly encouraged to arrange for telephonic appearances through CourtCall for all other matters.
- Requests for an exemption from the requirement to appear using Microsoft Teams or CourtCall as mandated above must be made directly to the Department assigned for the hearing.
- See
Remote Appearances Flyer for additional information
- Department of Child Support Services info: Please call 866-901-3212 for assistance with child support cases. Services are limited at this time. Customers can also communicate with the department electronically via CUSTOMER CONNECT . Child Support payments continue to be accepted online
- Self Help Center/Family Law Facilitator's Office/Restraining Order Help Center Information
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.
- 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..
- All dependency hearings are being conducted using remote technology, specifically Microsoft Teams.
- The party’s attorney will share the Microsoft Teams link with the party prior to the hearing.
- All Medication Progress Reviews are being handled by stipulation without in-court hearings..
- 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
- No parties are admitted into the courtrooms until further notice.
• 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.
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 FLTC@scscourt.org.
- 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
- 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 .
- Please visit our Jury Services page for the most current jury information.
- 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.
SELF HELP CENTER/FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR'S OFFICE/RESTRAINING ORDER HELP CENTER
- Remote assistance is available:
- Call: 408-882-2926
- Email: www.scscourt.org click “Self-Help” then “Contact the Self-Help Center”
- Please visit our website for more information on Self Help and filing papers from home.
- Self Help Center/Family Law Facilitator's Office/Restraining Order Help Center Information
This section provides updates and information regarding Court FAQs, including:
Is the Court accepting filings?
Yes, the dropbox is available as is e-filing.
How to attend court appearances?
Most matters are being heard remotely through court call and a public access, listen-only line is also available.
When will trials begin?
Civil jury trials will be re-scheduled to a Trial Setting Conference date later in the year. The Court will provide notice of the Trial Setting Conference date.
When will Mandatory Settlement Conferences resume?
Mandatory Settlement Conferences will be re-scheduled to a Trial Setting Conference date later in the year. The Court will provide notice of the Trial Setting Conference date.
When will law and motion calendars resume?
The Court will being ramping up these calendars and hearing matters beginning the week of May 18.
Can I still file pleadings while the Shelter in Place Order is in effect?
Yes. The FJCC Clerk’s Office is open on a limited basis for parties who need to file restraining orders or other urgent pleadings.
To file non-urgent pleadings, parties may use the drop box in the lobby of the Family Justice Center Courthouse. Parties may also continue to file pleadings using the Court’s e-filing system. Effective June 15, 2020, the FJCC’s Clerk’s Office will reopen.
Is the Court still holding hearings?
Yes. Though most hearings have been continued to future dates, the Court is still holding hearings for matters it has deemed urgent. The Family Division currently has four departments operating each day.
Effective June 15, 2020, the Family Division expects to have six departments operating.
Effective June 22, 2020, the Family Division expects to have nine departments operating.
Effective June 29, 2020, the Family Division expects to have eleven departments operating.
By Mid-July 2020, the Family Division expects to have all thirteen departments operating.
Is the Court conducting any Family Division trials?
No. All trials scheduled through June 30, 2020, have been continued to a status conference after July 1, 2020.
How do I know if my hearing date has been changed?
The Court will send a notice in the mail to the parties if their hearing date has changed. Parties may also check to see if a hearing date has changed using the Court’s online Public Portal by searching for their case number or checking the calendar.
Can I appear by telephone at a hearing?
Yes. All parties, joined parties, attorneys and minor’s counsel are authorized to appear via CourtCall through July 6, 2020, for any matter except for the day of an emergency screening.
How do I know where in the courthouse to go for my hearing?
To determine your hearing department, you can check the schedule that is posted at the metal detector and in front of the courtrooms on the 3rd, 6th and 7th Floors.
Can I receive help filling out court paperwork while the Shelter in Place Order is in effect?
Yes. The Self-Help Center and the Restraining Order Help Center are open to help with paperwork related to restraining orders and emergency child custody and visitation orders.
Do I need to wear a mask at the courthouse?
Yes. All individuals entering the FJCC must wear a face covering.
I submitted a pleading to the Clerk’s Office for filing but have not received anything back. Should I be concerned?
No. The Clerk’s Office is still processing pleadings but is prioritizing urgent matters. As a result, it may take longer to receive a filed copy of your pleading.
If you are requesting relief related to child, spousal, partner or family support, Emergency Rule 13 of the California Rules of Court allows you to serve your request on the other party before it is filed and assigned a hearing date. Any order modifying or terminating support pursuant to an unfiled request may be deemed effective as of the date the request and supporting papers were served.
If you serve an unfiled request related to child, spousal, partner or family support, you must also serve on the other party a filed copy of the request and supporting papers that includes the assigned hearing date once you receive it.
Is the Court hearing any issues related to child, spousal, partner or family support while the Shelter in Place Order is in effect?
The Court is not generally hearing matters related to support; however, some support issues deemed urgent by the judicial officer may be heard while the Shelter in Place Order is in effect.
Contempt matters set before a child support commissioner are being heard with all parties appearing by telephone.
Is Family Court Services still conducting mediations?
Yes. Family Court Services is conducting mediations remotely. If you were previously ordered to mediation, you will review a notice in the mail of your mediation date and time. The mediator will call you and it may be from a blocked number.
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 Pilot (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.
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.
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:
- Look up or pay your traffic ticket online
- Pay your traffic ticket by phone: 408-878-0098
- Request a deferral of jury duty or call 408-882-2700 (press 8 then 0)
- Search cases and calendars
- E-Filing for Civil, Family, Probate, and Small Claims cases
- Complete Forms at Home
- Self-Help assistance by email
- Call the Self-Help Center: 408-882-2926 (voicemail)
- COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium Information Sheet
- Small Claims Mediation Options
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.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit the following webpages:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- California Department of Public Health
- Santa Clara County Public Health Department
12. FAQs about the Local Health Officer Shelter in Place Order
Shelter in Place FAQ-Vietnamese
13. Social Distancing Protocols: Site-Specific Protection Plans
Superior Court Courthouse Capacity Metering Policy (eff. December 7, 2020)
Family Justice Center Courthouse
Hall of Justice Criminal Courthouse
Santa Clara Traffic Courthouse
Procedures for Employee COVID-19 Exposures and Positive Tests