COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates

Find COVID-19 announcements, FAQs, and more.

Help Us Keep the Public and Our Staff Safe

Check your county's information for changes to hours of operations, remote hearings, announcements, and more. You may be able to handle your ticket or citation through our online services. You can also sign up there for text and email reminders about your court date. If you need additional information, contact the clerk of superior court office before going to the courthouse. Find updates for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Business Court. View the Webex - Remote Proceedings for the Public (training resource).

Announcements and Orders

Many court operations have been modified by orders of the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court. While a summary is provided below, you should read the applicable order for details that might affect your case. See the orders below.

Chief Justice Paul Newby issued a new order June 21, 2021, rescinding the June 7 order due to recent legislative changes. No more Emergency Directives remain in place.

 

Orders

Order of the Chief Justice Revocation of the June 7 Order   June 21, 2021 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 3, 5   June 4, 2021 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Modifying May 10 Order Eliminating Emergency Directives 21   May 14, 2021 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 2, 3, 5, 11, 14, 15, 21   May 7, 2021 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 2, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 21   April 9, 2021 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 2, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 21   March 12, 2021 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 2, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 21   February 12, 2021 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extension of Time in Bail Bond Forfeiture Proceedings   January 29, 2021 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 2, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 21   January 14, 2021 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extension of Time in Bail Bond Forfeiture Proceedings   December 31, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 2–5, 8–15, 18, and 20–22   December 14, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extension of Time in Bail Bond Forfeiture Proceedings   November 30, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 2–5, 8–15, 18, and 20–22   November 16, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 2–5, 8–15, 18, and 20–22   October 15, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extension of Time in Bail Bond Forfeiture Proceedings   September 30, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 2–6, 8–15, 18, and 20–22   September 15, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 2-6, 8, 18, and 22   August 24, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 9-15, 20-22   August 15, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 2-8   July 29, 2020 Order  |  Spanish
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directive 18 Regarding Summary Ejectment Cases   July 24, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 9-15, 20   July 20, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Issuing Emergency Directives 21 and 22   July 16, 2020 Order  |  Spanish
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 2 to 8   June 29, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 18   June 29, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 9 to 16   June 20, 2020 Order | Spanish
Order of the Chief Justice Issuing Emergency Directive 20   June 20, 2020 Order  | Spanish
Order of the Chief Justice Emergency Directives 17 to 19 for Staying all Pending Evictions and Establishing New Mediation Program   May 30, 2020 Order  |  Spanish
Order of the Chief Justice Extending and Modifying Emergency Directives 2 to 8   May 30, 2020 Order  |  Spanish
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Time and Periods of Limitation for Filing Notice of Appeal   May 30, 2020 Order  |  Spanish
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Filing Deadlines   May 21, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Emergency Directives 9 to 16   May 21, 2020 Order  |  Spanish
Order of the Supreme Court Modifying Certain Rules of Practice and Continuing Judicial Education   May 14, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Emergency Directives 1 to 8 until May 30   May 1, 2020   |  Spanish
Order of the Chief Justice Emergency Directive to Resume Marriage Ceremonies   April 16, 2020
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Filing and Court-Related Deadlines   April 13, 2020   |  
Order of the Chief Justice Emergency Directives 1 to 7 Postponing Court Proceedings Until June 1   April 2, 2020 Order  |  Spanish
Order of the Supreme Court Extending Appellate Court Deadlines   March 27, 2020 Order
Order of the Chief Justice Extending Court System Deadlines   March 19, 2020 Order  |  Spanish
Order of the Chief Justice Emergency Directives 1 to 2   March 13, 2020 Order  |  Spanish

 
Find and search all local orders, rules, and forms.

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Scam Alert

We have received reports of the "jury duty scam" taking place in counties. The caller identifies himself or herself as a member of the sheriff’s office, informs the victim that they have failed to appear for jury duty, explains that the clerk’s office has issued an order for their arrest, and advises the victim they can resolve the situation and avoid arrest by paying a large amount of money using a credit or prepaid debit card.

THIS IS A SCAM! If you receive such a call, simply hang up and do not stay on the phone. Learn more.

COVID-19: County Updates

Find county announcements and administrative orders regarding COVID-19.

COVID-19: FAQs

Find frequently asked questions about court during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19: NCAOC Guidance to Court Personnel

Find NCAOC guidance to court officials concerning the court system’s response to COVID-19.

County Updates

Find the latest COVID-19 updates by county, including orders, changes to hours of operations, remote hearings, announcements, and more.

Also, see the closings and advisories page where some changes in local court sessions may be reported. Counties provide information, administrative orders, and more on the county's pages. Be sure to check both during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find and search all local orders, rules, and forms.

General Frequently Asked Questions

Spanish | Preguntas frecuentes

If you have a question about your court case, please first view the county's pages in which the case is filed for any local announcements, as well as the closings and advisories page, then if needed contact the clerk of superior court office. You may find other helpful information about the court system’s response and announcements above.

The Judicial Branch cannot provide legal advice or address actions by individuals or entities that do not involve the courts or the impact of orders issued by the Chief Justice. Individuals who need legal advice about rights and remedies under the law should seek the advice of an attorney.Are the courts ordering evictions? The stay of summary ejectment and eviction actions pending in the trial divisions in Emergency Directive 17 issued by the Chief Justice in a May 30th order has expired. Trials in small claim actions seeking possession of real property were allowed to resume on Monday, June 22nd, subject to other Emergency Directives issued to ensure safety protocols such as social distancing. Review COVID-19 information for landlords and tenants from the North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center.

Are the courts open to victims of domestic violence? North Carolina courts remain open, and protective orders are being processed. Victims of domestic violence in Alamance, Brunswick, Cumberland, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Mecklenburg, Onslow, Orange, Rockingham, Rowan, or Wake counties can file online with the help of a local domestic violence service provider.

What if a parent is out of work due to COVID-19 and child support payments are due? You should seek the advice of an attorney. If the NC IV-D agency (North Carolina Child Support Enforcement Agency) is involved in the case, contact Child Support Services to determine if a review is appropriate.

What happens to upset bids during this time? All sales of real property subject to an upset bid period continue to be subject to upset bids. Please note that some clerk’s offices are operating with limited staff and hours. Please plan accordingly.

Jury Service Frequently Asked Questions

Jury Service During COVID-19 FAQs (PDF)

Why are the courts summoning jurors during a pandemic?

Article I, Section 18 of the North Carolina Constitution provides that “[a]ll courts shall be open” and that “justice shall be administered without favor, denial, or delay.” The Judicial Branch must fulfill this mandate in ways that prioritize and protect the health and safety of judicial officials, employees, and the public.

Effective January 14, 2021, Chief Justice Paul Newby authorized jury trials to resume statewide in district and superior courts. Local judicial officials have been strongly encouraged to resume jury trials without delay.

I am considered a high-risk individual for COVID-19 and I have been summoned for jury service. Do I have to appear?

Contact the clerk of superior court in the county where you have been summoned for juror excuse policy information or refer to your juror summons for information related to requesting an excuse.

I live with a person / I am a caretaker for a person who is a high-risk individual for COVID-19 and I have been summoned for jury service. Do I have to appear?

Contact the clerk of superior court in the county where you have been summoned for juror excuse policy information or refer to your juror summons for information related to requesting an excuse.

Do I need to bring my own hand sanitizer?

Hand sanitizer may be provided at the courthouse. However, please be advised that security policies may prevent you from entering the courthouse if you bring your own hand sanitizer. Please contact the local facility before appearing for court to determine if hand sanitizer is provided and / or if you may bring your personal hand sanitizer into the courthouse.

How long will the trial last?

Trial lengths may vary depending on the case.

How long will I be in court each day?

This may vary depending on the case.

What should I do if I am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms prior to my jury service date?

Do not appear at the courthouse to report your symptoms. If you begin experiencing COVID-19 symptoms prior to your jury service date, please inform the clerk of superior court in the county where you were summoned by phone.

What should I do if I experience COVID-19 symptoms during my jury service?

If you begin experiencing COVID-19 symptoms during your period of jury service while at the court facility, please inform the nearest court official (e.g., clerk, bailiff).

NCAOC Guidance to Court Personnel

Find NCAOC guidance to court officials concerning the court system’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  

Judicial Branch COVID-19 Task Force

Find information, meetings, and working groups of the Judicial Branch COVID-19 Task Force tasked with recommending emergency directives and policy changes related to the COVID-19 health emergency.

Other Resources

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