The Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa judicial systems have provided information and issued orders for how court will be conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Nebraska District Courts, County Courts, and Workers’ Compensation Courts remain open, however, the Nebraska Supreme Court advises contacting the courthouse for verification of a hearing, trial, or general need prior to travelling to the courthouse. Nebraska has implemented restrictions on jury trials and general entrances to the courthouses. Courthouses may require a health check prior to entering the courthouse. The Nebraska Supreme Court has also approved the various courts granting extensions for court filing deadlines, including those deadlines imposed for paying fees or fines.
For more information on the Nebraska Judicial Branch’s regulations due to COVID-19, visit www.supremecourt.nebraska.gov.
Each of South Dakota’s seven judicial circuits has an Order approved by the South Dakota Supreme Court clarifying how each circuit will continue operations. All circuit courts will try to hold telephonic or video hearings when it is available. Certain people, depending on age and travel history, may not be permitted in the courthouse in an effort to protect others.
For more information on the South Dakota Unified Judicial System’s regulations due to COVID-19, visit www.ujs.sd.gov.
Iowa has one of the more comprehensive judicial plans due to COVID-19. The Iowa Judicial Branch has delayed all jury trials through April 19, 2020, and has also approved a tolling of the statute of limitations by 48 days. This means if you had three years to file a lawsuit, and that three-year time period expired on April 1, 2020, your new deadline to file the lawsuit is May 18, 2020 (48 days later). Similar to other states, Iowa will hold hearings and other proceedings via video conference or telephone based on the Judge’s discretion.
For more information on the Iowa Judicial Branch’s regulations due to COVID-19, visit www.iowacourts.gov.
Stay on top of your legal system’s directives during the current COVID-19 pandemic by visiting the websites listed, or by contacting your local courthouse for their specific procedures.