News and Insights

On March 14, 2020 the Travis County local administrative and civil presiding judges issued an emergency order to go into effect March 16, 2020 affecting access to Travis County civil district courts and the courthouse itself. 

The order suspends in-person civil and family court hearings until April 13, 2020 and asks attorneys to contact court administration and wait for a response before attempting to visit the Heman Marion Sweatt Courthouse, where civil and family court cases are heard, for any matter.  Emergency child protection show cause and child removal hearings brought by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services may continue to be heard at the discretion of the two judges hearing those matters, which will be announced in separate communications from those judges.

Here is a link to the order:http://www.mattmcchesney.com/uploads/031420 emergency-order-covid-19.pdf

Parties needing emergency relief in family court for protection from family violence, child abduction, irreparable financial harm, and other emergency matters may still seek relief from the duty judge following procedures being developed and to be announced in subsequent appropriate posts to the Travis County civil district court's website.

This announcement follows similar court closings in other large counties, as well as the United States District Courts serving Texas.   Courts in smaller counties may announce similar measures. 

I was in court last Wednesday in Burnet County and on Friday on Williamson County and both courthouses appeared to be operating as usual, but it is advisable to contact court administration and continue to monitor announcements made online from county officials and the individual courts themselves.  The 425th Judicial District Court Judge Betsy Lambeth, wrote to Texas Lawyer, “Please do not bring sick clients or witnesses or yourself to the courthouse. This is not just about protecting you, who may be able to withstand the disease. This is about protecting those in our community that cannot survive the virus."

My office is open, albeit while observing the recommended personal proximity protocols, and will schedule consultations remotely and continue to be available to secure emergency relief in the form of restraining orders, writs of attachment, and protective orders as the need arise.  If no one is available to take the call, please leave a message and I will return your call.  All existing and former clients have my cell phone number and should feel free to text me or to call with any question or urgent consideration affecting their case or families.