Updated 06/11/2020
Most courts are operating with minimal disruption and are accepting new probate petitions. Generally speaking courts have postponed any "in-person" hearings and for states where hearings are required they are being moved to a video or telephone hearing. Many states do not require a hearing, and probate is not disrupted.
Below are noteworthy states and their coronavirus related announcements and procedures.
We will update this page frequently and feel free to message us with any questions.
California
The Court has reduced operations and is only providing necessary and essential services. The Court intends to reduce the number of jurors, parties, and attorneys in the Court for the time period of March 17 through April 15, 2020, as advised by public health officials.
Court is still accepting petitions and scheduling hearings. Anyone needing immediate action needs to file an "ex parte" petition to get immediate temporary power. We can help you do this now.
We have heard from customers that hearings will resume in July, and new hearings are being scheduled as far out as October.
New York
**Update as of 6/11/2020***
All New York County Surrogates Courts are now open. Any closures will be a result of non Covid-19 related issues, such as building maintenance.
Please have patience with the NYC (New York, Queens, Kings, Bronx, Staten Island, and Richmond Counties courts as they have been hardest hit with coronavirus and related deaths.
All are encouraged to e-file: www.nycourts.gov/efile
Florida
Court functionality is being limited to virtual hearings (video or telephone conference) only. This will have little impact on probate process as all can be done via mail and telephone hearings.
Washington (State)
Washington has issued a state of emergency and is limiting the movement and gathering of people. Probate court is accepting petitions and will move to telephone or video hearings that require attendance.