The Coronavirus impact is unprecedented.
As a service to my community I am helping in every way I can and will keep you updated on the latest legal directives.
State - North Carolina
September 1
Governor Cooper announced on September 1, 2020 that North Carolina will be moving in to Stage 2.5 of Re-opening. This new stage goes into effect at 5pm September 4, 2020.
-Press Release from Governor Cooper.
Local - Guilford County
July 6
Beginning July 7, 2020, face masks will be required to enter the courthouse. Upon entering the courthouse everyone will be submitted to a non-invasive temperature check and asked three (3) questions by security staff. Hearings are no longer open to the public and only those who have specific business in the courthouse will be allowed entrance. These rules apply to both the Greensboro and High Point Courthouses.
-Read the full Administrative Order here.
State - North Carolina
June 29
Emergency Directives expire after 30 days. Chief Justice Beasley has extended certain Emergency Directives until July 29, including remote hearings, waived notary requirement on court filings, continue to have magistrates hold marriage ceremonies, and allow service via email.
-Press Release from Chief Justice Beasley.
State - North Carolina
June 24
Phase 2 of reopening extended until July 17th, 2020. Governor Cooper also makes face coverings mandatory in all public spaces where physical distancing is not possible starting at 5pm on June 26, 2020.
-Press Release from Governor Cooper.
Local - Guilford County
June 11
All Guilford County Courthouses are closed until June 22, due to several employees being diagnosed with COVID-19.
State - North Carolina
May 31
Governor Roy Cooper makes statement encouraging all North Carolinians to honor June 1, 2020 as a Day of Mourning for those who have passed due to COVID-19.
-Press Release from Governor Cooper.
State - North Carolina
May 21
Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issues new orders and emergency directives expanding North Carolina court operations.
-Press Release from Chief Justice Beasley.
State - North Carolina
May 20
Governor Roy Cooper announces plan to move in to Phase 2 of re-opening on Friday, May 22 at 5pm.
-Press Release from Governor Cooper.
State - North Carolina
May 6
Governor Roy Cooper announces plan to use school buses as WiFi Hot Spots so that neighborhoods with limited or no internet access can continue participate in remote learning.
-Press Release from Governor Cooper.
State - North Carolina
May 5
Governor Roy Cooper issues executive order which modifies the Stay-at-Home Order and transitions to Phase 1 of the statewide re-opening plan to begin May 8.
-Press Release from Governor Cooper.
State - North Carolina
May 4
Governor Roy Cooper signs into law two bipartisan relief bills that provides almost $1.6 billion in relief measures. The relief package also allows for emergency remote video notarization and temporarily waives the requirement for witnesses in the execution of Healthcare Powers of Attorney and Living Wills.
-Press Release from Governor Cooper.
State - North Carolina
May 2
Chief Justice Cheri Beasley extends emergency directives until May 30. This extension maintains the 7 emergency directives contained in the April 2, 2020 Order. This order also eliminates the consent requirement that made it difficult for most courts to hold remote hearings using teleconference technology.
-Press Release from Chief Justice Beasley.
State - North Carolina
April 23
Governor Roy Cooper holds press conference to discuss the extension of the Stay At Home Order until May 8 and the 3-phase lifting of restrictions.
-Press Release from Governor Roy Cooper.
State - North Carolina
April 23
State Board of Education reveals Year-End Grading Policy that ensures minimal negative impact to students.
-Press Release from State Board of Education.
State - North Carolina
April 15
Governor Roy Cooper holds press conference to discuss the next steps in order to re-open the North Carolina safely.
- Press Release from Governor Roy Cooper.
Local - Forsyth County
April 13
Forsyth County Clerk announced that the Forsyth County Hall of Justice will be open to the public from 9am to 2pm until June 1, 2020, with a possibility of being extended.
State - North Carolina
April 9
Governor Roy Cooper tightens social distancing restrictions, strengthens long-term care rules, and orders to streamline unemployment process.
- Governor Cooper's Order.
State - North Carolina
March 30
Through April 29, Governor Roy Cooper issued a state-wide “Stay at Home” Order. The Order applies to all person in North Carolina. It bans gatherings of more than 10 people and permits travel for essential purposes provided that people outside of their homes continue to follow proscribed social distancing practices. If you live in a city or county with a more restrictive stay at home order in place, then you must abide by that local order.
- Governor Cooper’s Order
Local - Guilford County
March 27
Through April 16, Guilford County officials issued a “Stay at Home” Order. Guilford County residents are encouraged to stay at their place of residence, except for shopping for essentials, going to work at essential businesses, or providing essentials to loved ones.
- “Stay at Home” Order
State - North Carolina
April 13
Chief Justice Beasley issues emergency order that any filings that were due between March 16 and June 1 will be deemed timely filed, if filed before close of business on June 1, 2020.
- Press Release from Chief Justice Beasley.
Local - Guilford County
March 23
Through April 17, Guilford County Courthouses will only be open to the public for filings from 9:00am to 1:00pm, Monday through Friday. Any emergency or essential filings filed after 1:00pm will be accepted by the Magistrates office between 1:00pm and 5:00pm.
State - North Carolina
March 16
North Carolina Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issued an order that all superior and district court proceedings will be rescheduled for at least 30 days, with some exceptions.
- Press release from Chief Justice Beasley
Local - Guilford County
March 16
Guardianship proceedings before the Clerk of Superior Court of Guilford County will proceed as normal, unless otherwise directed by the Clerk’s office. Estate Proceedings will only be heard for pressing matters.
Local - Forsyth County
March 16
Forsyth County Clerk announced that all superior and district court proceedings and all other matters are to be continued or scheduled for no earlier than April 30th, 2020.
State - North Carolina
April 2
Chief Justice Beasley has ordered that all court proceedings be moved till after June 1st.
-Press Release from Chief Justice Beasley.