URGENT: Arizona Justice Courts Stop Debt Collection Lawsuits in Certain Cases Due to COVID-19

TL;DR

Arizona Justice Courts have issued new orders in response to COVID-19, resulting in changes to deadlines and procedures for civil cases, including debt collection lawsuits. Trials have been continued, courts are operating with reduced staff, and email filing is now allowed.

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 are some pretty big changes as to way the ways in which they are o... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 COVID-19 has prompted Arizona Justice Courts to issue new orders, affecting civil cases with a value of less than $10,000.
• 💼 Trials for debt collection cases have been continued, potentially causing delays in case proceedings.
• 🥺 Courts are operating with reduced staff, leading to potential delays in case processing.
• 💌 Email filing of documents and online payment options are now available in some courts.
• 🎅 Default judgments may not be entered in the San Tan Regional Justice Court while the order is in effect.
• 🖤 Cases will not be dismissed for lack of service or inactivity during the order period.
• 🥳 Cases that would have expired due to lack of service or inactivity will be extended for 90 days.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has COVID-19 affected trials in Arizona Justice Courts?

Trials, both bench trials and jury trials, for debt collection cases have been continued. The courts are supposed to inform the parties involved, but it is recommended to reach out to confirm if your case has been postponed.

Q: What is the current staffing situation in Arizona Justice Courts?

Most courts are operating with only half the usual number of staff members and clerks. This may cause additional delays in case proceedings, so it is advisable to contact the court for updates.

Q: Can documents be filed electronically in Arizona Justice Courts?

Yes, some courts now allow parties to email documents for filing and make online payments. This change aims to reduce costs and save time. However, not all courts have adopted electronic filing, so it is necessary to check with the specific court for their procedures.

Q: How are default judgments affected by the new orders?

In the San Tan Regional Justice Court, default judgments will not be entered until the order is lifted. However, this rule may not apply in other courts. It is still important to take action and file an answer if you are served with a lawsuit.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Arizona Justice Courts have implemented new orders due to COVID-19, affecting civil cases with a value of less than $10,000.

• Trials for debt collection cases have been continued, with some courts postponing indefinitely.

• Courts are operating with half the usual staff, leading to potential delays in case proceedings.

• Email filing of documents and online payment options are now available, reducing costs and saving time.