In-person services at Kentucky court facilities to be suspended through May 1
In-person services at Kentucky’s court facilities immediately will be suspended and all court proceedings will be conducted remotely through May 1, the Kentucky Supreme Court said Wednesday.
The state’s highest court said it issued new guidelines in anticipation of a surge in COVID-19 cases. It has had in place since March 16 a social-distancing order.
The new order says all judicial facilities will be closed to in-person services effective April 1, with limited exceptions.
It said only attorneys and parties required to attend emergency, in-person hearings and persons seeking protective orders will be permitted inside the building.
Entry may be obtained by calling the local circuit clerk’s office.
Signage will be posted at all public entry points notifying individuals of the restrictions.
The new order also says all participants to a proceeding, including parties and attorneys, must be allowed to participate remotely and eviction filings will not be accepted by the circuit court clerk until 30 days after the order expires.
Also, all court filings must be mailed, eFiled or filed using a drop-box provided outside the judicial facility.
Payments for court costs fines, fees and restitution can be made by money order mailed to the circuit clerk’s office or by cash or credit card by calling the local circuit clerk’s office.
Pre-payable citations can be paid online through ePay at ky.courts.gov.
The high court earlier suspended driver’s license services until further notice.
“I appreciate the hard work and determination of the public, the legal community and court personnel who are quickly adjusting to these changes,” said Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr.
“As difficult as these restrictions may be, the judicial branch must do its part to participate stringent social distancing while providing essential, constitutionally mandated services. The health and safety of all of us depend on it.”
This story was originally published April 1, 2020 at 2:53 PM.
