Dealing with Debt Issues During the Coronavirus / COVID-19 Pandemic

TL;DR

Arizona Justice Courts have issued new orders due to COVID-19, affecting civil cases including debt collection lawsuits. Some key changes include trial continuations, limited court staff, and the option to email documents to the court.

Transcript

• Hey everybody, this is John Skiba with the Arizona Consumer Law Group. and in today's video, I wanted to give you a quick update on some of the orders that the Arizona Justice Courts have issued as it relates to COVID-19, and the coronavirus and how they're operating, because there's are some pretty big changes as to way the ways in which they ar... Read More

Key Insights

• 💼 The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in the procedures of Arizona Justice Courts, particularly in civil cases related to debt collection.
• 📅 Trials, including bench and jury trials, have been continued, and court staff is operating on a reduced schedule.
• 🥳 Some courts allow parties to appear via telephone or video conference, and parties can email documents for filing, reducing costs and public exposure.
• ⌛ Default judgments may not be entered during this time, but it is essential to review the order of the specific court.
• 🦻 Civil cases, including default hearings and garnishment hearings, may be temporarily halted in certain courts.
• 👨‍🔬 Researching the specific order of the court handling your case is crucial to understanding the changes in deadlines and procedures.
• 💁 The website skibalaw.com/justicecourts provides links to individual court orders and other relevant information.

Questions & Answers

Q: How have the COVID-19 orders affected debt collection trials in Arizona Justice Courts?

Debt collection trials, both bench and jury, have been generally continued. However, it is important to reach out to the court to confirm the new trial dates due to limited court staff.

Q: Are all Arizona Justice Courts implementing the same procedures?

No, each court has issued its own individual order, and procedures may vary. It is recommended to visit skibalaw.com/justicecourts for specific information on each court.

Q: Can parties email documents to Arizona Justice Courts for filing?

Yes, some courts are allowing parties to email documents for filing, which can reduce costs and time. However, it is necessary to contact the court to inquire about the specific process.

Q: Are default judgments being entered during this time?

In the San Tan Regional Center, default judgments will not be entered until the order is lifted. However, this may not apply to other courts, and it is important to consult the specific order for each court.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Arizona Justice Courts handle cases under $10,000, including debt collection lawsuits. Recent orders have brought significant changes to court procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Many trials, both bench and jury, have been continued, and court staff is operating on a reduced schedule.

• Some courts allow parties to appear via telephone or video conference, and parties can now email documents to the court for filing, reducing costs and public exposure.