COVID-19 UPDATE FROM NC JUDICIAL BRANCH – All State Courthouses Remain Open | Statutes of Limitations and Deadlines Remain in Effect

Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issued an important emergency order this morning directed at reducing, as possible, the number of people in state courthouses. Towards that end, most matters pending in superior and district courts are continued for at least 30 days.

However, according to the Order, ALL COURTS REMAIN OPEN. Therefore, all statutes of limitations and deadlines are NOT affected or tolled. Everyone still needs to make sure to get their pleadings filed and A&P summonses issued in a timely manner and get them properly served as normal. REPEAT. Nothing in this order tolls or otherwise changes the need to file your complaints before the statute of limitations. So, if necessary, get to the courthouse as usual.

You should not assume that any deadlines in your cases are affected unless there are subsequent orders from the Chief Justice. Therefore, you must meet all deadlines for discovery, mediation, filing notice of appeal, etc. This order does not toll or otherwise extend those deadlines.

Lawyers Mutual Operations Update

In light of the developing public health issue involving COVID-19, we want to reassure you that Lawyers Mutual remains fully operational and ready to serve. Lawyers Mutual’s Business Continuity Plan ensures daily operations and services continue without disruption should the coronavirus spread in our area causing a reduction in staff. Our technology allows for employees to work remotely. Additionally, we have suspended non-essential travel and enacted additional office hygiene practices to help reduce the spread of the virus in order to protect our community.   

 

We continue to monitor the situation and will provide important updates as needed. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.