Court Operations Update February 2021
The Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin (Court), hereby provides public notice, pursuant to Government Code section 68106, of changes in court operations in response to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). These changes will remain in effect until further notice.
To reduce risk to the public, staff, and judicial officers, and to achieve maximum social distancing, entry into the courthouse will be limited to the following:
- Attorneys
- Parties/Defendants
- Minors and Minor’s Parents
- Law Enforcement
- Individuals filing or picking up restraining orders
- Witnesses
- Couriers
- Jurors
No other persons will be permitted without good cause.
The Court will continue to take reasonable safety precautions to protect the public, court staff, judicial officers, and others.
Pursuant to the Court Administrative Order of the Presiding Judge, all persons entering the courthouses will have their temperature taken by a temperature-scanning device. Any person who refuses to have their temperature taken, or who has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, will not be permitted entry. Per Governor Newsom’s mandate, all persons must wear a face covering to enter the courthouse and at all times while inside.
APPEALS: Appeals will be heard telephonically. Documents may be submitted by drop box or mail. Department 10A appellate calendars will be heard telephonically.
BRANCH COURTS: Departments L1 and L2 at the Lodi Branch Court reopened on March 1, 2021. Departments M1 and M2 at the Manteca Branch Court are open.
CLERKS’ OFFICES: The Clerk’s Office at the Juvenile Justice Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Clerks’ Offices in Stockton, Manteca, and Lodi are closed to the public.
- By Telephone: Visit the Court’s website for current hours and contact information.
- Online Support: Questions may be submitted via the Court’s Support page.
Drop boxes are located outside the Stockton Courthouse. Drop boxes at the Manteca Branch and Juvenile Justice Center are located inside the buildings. Lodi Branch drop boxes are located outside Departments L1 and L2. eFiling is available for Civil, Family Law, and Probate matters. Visit the eFiling Portal for more information.
CIVIL: Civil and Appeals documents must be submitted by drop box, mail, or eFiling. eFiling is encouraged. Courtesy copies must comply with Local Rule 3-117. Ex parte hearings may be requested by email except for matters scheduled in Department 3A.
Dedicated Civil courtrooms continue to conduct hearings remotely unless otherwise directed. Civil jury trials have resumed.
CRIMINAL: Criminal departments listed are open. Refer to the Court’s website for department-specific information.
JURY SERVICES: Jury services have resumed full operations. Jurors are being summoned for service. The Court is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment. For updates, visit the Jury Services page or call (209) 992-5500.
FAMILY LAW: Family law documents must be submitted by drop box, mail, or eFiling. Questions may be submitted via the Court’s Support page. Departments 4A and 4B continue to hear matters on calendar. Department 5A hearings may be remote unless otherwise directed.
PROBATE (Department 11A): Probate calendars are operational. Teleconference appearance is encouraged where permitted. Settlement conferences and trials are heard in person unless specifically authorized for remote appearance. Probate documents must be submitted by drop box, mail, or eFiling. Fax filings are no longer accepted unless directed by the Court. Questions may be submitted via the Probate Inquiries page or by email at sjprobate@sjcourts.org.
TRAFFIC: Traffic payments may be made online, by mail, or via drop box. Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) is available at the ODR system. Verify hearing information at https://cms.sjcourts.org/fullcourtweb/start.do.
SELF-HELP: The Self-Help Center is not open for in-person assistance. Online services are available via the Self Help page or by telephone at (209) 992-5283. Visit the Court’s website for updated information.