San Diego Probate Court status (open or closed)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the San Diego Probate Court closed and has only been hearing limited matters and will continue to do so through May 22. Services are being added as possible, but, at the current time, the court is handling emergency probate orders, including emergency conservatorships and emergency guardianships. The court has suspended the acceptance of e-File documents.

The Superior Court of California in San Diego County has been closely monitoring state and local response to the Coronavirus outbreak and following guidance provided by state and local public health agencies and the CDC as to when San Diego Probate Courts can reopen.

According to an April 29th news release by the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, the planned date for reopening the court to the public is Tuesday, May 26th, following the Memorial Day Holiday.

However, as the state of California moves into Stage 2 of the state’s reopening plan, there is still a very real danger that a second wave of the Coronavirus could affect the staged reopening of the state, which is one of the reasons that Probate Courts would close again.

Court scheduled to reopen

The question as to when courts will reopen in California doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many courts in California closing or severely limiting access. Many, such as the San Diego Probate Court, have also restricted the ability to file all but the most time-sensitive matters, such as restraining orders and emergency probate orders, through May 22.

Courts are entering into their third month of dealing with Governor Newsome’s stay-at-home orders, and, while some are planning on expanding remote operations, others are trying to plan for a return to somewhat normal operations.  

The San Diego Probate Court is planning to reopen on May 26, but that date could change if there is a significant uptick in new cases of COVID-19 as a result of the staged reopening of the state.

So, it’s more important than ever to contact a trust attorney if you have estate planning needs. According to Caring.com approximately 52% of people age 55 and older do not have a will or other important estate planning documents, such as Power of Attorney and health care directives, if they should become ill or incapacitated. 

The Law Office of David W. Foley, San Diego estate planning attorney, is still open for business and taking all necessary precautions when it comes to client safety. If you cannot come to the office, we can assist you remotely with all of your estate planning needs. 

Now it not the time to delay

The Coronavirus outbreak has had a devastating effect on every facet of life in our country. The fear of COVID-19 has spurred many people on to making critical estate planning decisions, especially about who will be in charge of their medical care and finances if they should become ill or die.

And, faced with the prospect that a second wave of cases could close San Diego Probate Courts, it’s time to see an attorney about updating existing estate planning documents or establishing a new estate plan. 

At the Law Office of David W. Foley, we provide comprehensive living trust services as well as other estate planning services.

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