Are the courts closed during the state’s Coronavirus response? What if I need to be physically present for a court action?

The Judicial Branch announced that, starting on March 19, 2020, it is limiting the types of cases being heard and reducing the number of courthouses that will hear these cases.

All jury trials (civil and criminal) are suspended with the exception of jury trials already in progress and criminal jury trials necessitated by the filing and granting of a speedy trial motion.

Visit here for the list of open courthouses.

The following case types will continue to be heard:

• Criminal arraignments of defendants held in lieu of bond and all arraignments involving domestic violence cases;

• Juvenile Detention hearings;

• Family orders of relief from abuse;

• Civil orders of relief from abuse

• Civil protection orders

• Ex parte motions

• Orders of temporary custody (Juvenile Matters)

• Orders to appear (Juvenile Matters)

• Emergency ex parte order of temporary custody

• Juvenile detention operations for detainees held for juvenile court

• Termination of parental rights

• Domestic violence victim notification

• Civil and family capias mittimus execution and bond reviews

NOTE for Parental Waivers:
Governor Lamont has ordered that parents are not required to be present in court for the court to make findings sufficient to accept the parent’s waiver of the right or file a motion or petition for educational support to provide that such a waiver may be accepted upon submission of proof deemed sufficient by the court that the parent fully understands the consequences of such a waiver.

This does not apply in any case where a restraining order or a protective order between the parties is in effect or an application for such an order is pending before the court.

Visit the CT Judicial Branch for the latest COVID-19 updates