The Justice Courts are just as concerned as you are about the spread of this Novel Coronavirus; we watch the numbers and adapt our plans as necessary to protect the community.

With the spread of COVID-19 it has become prudent to eliminate all in-person proceedings except for those required by statute or Constitutional provision. Effective immediately, the Maricopa County Justice Courts will comply with or adapt to all applicable Administrative or Executive Orders by holding most matters by phone, e-mail, and video.

Courthouses are still open and new cases may still be filed but litigants should contact the specific court first to inquire about filing and payment procedures. Staff may be limited and litigants may find deadlines extended beyond the normal timelines which are listed on other pages of this web site or on other documentation.

Some specifics:

• Jury trials currently scheduled will be continued (postponed) until after April 17th.
• A COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure may prevent an eviction judgment from being enforced. There is no order stopping evictions from being filed and therefore courts must accept those case filings, then set and hold hearings. But, if a tenant under an eviction order can show hardship related to COVID-19, the judgement cannot be enforced by the Constable and must be delayed. Visit this Supreme Court page for details and a note that can be provided to a landlord.
• Evictions typically have very tight deadlines. Newly-filed eviction cases will be set for hearings by telephone, and possibly at a date later than usual. Landlords and Tenants should check the case history search page to stay current on any new hearing dates. Tenants who choose to move out before their hearings should turn in their keys to the landlord, and not keep or leave them behind. This can prevent extra rent costs.
• Immediate evictions will still be held per usual timelines as required by law. However, under Executive Order 2020-14, a COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure is not an allowable basis for this type of eviction.
• Orders of Protection may still be requested and issued without delay as required by law. Those seeking such an order should enter the online portal at https://azpoint.azcourts.gov/ to start the process, then call any court with their user number generated by the program for a telephone hearing.
• Injunctions Against Harassment and Injunctions Against Workplace Harassment forms may be found here. Courts will accept these by email and hold hearings by phone.
• Lawsuits including civil suits and evictions may still be filed- but via email, conventional mail, fax, or on-site drop box if available.
• Garnishment or Lien requests may be filed via email, conventional mail, fax, or on-site drop box if available.
• Traffic Citations may be handled by email and phone. Most judges will accept this Arraignment Plea Document for entering a plea by email. Please call the court listed on your ticket before sending it in.
• Marriage Licenses are available at some court locations. Couples may enter the building to obtain a license, but only after calling the court to ensure availability.
• Weddings will take place outside the courthouse with a limited number of attendees. Only one person from the wedding party will be allowed inside the courthouse to check in before 5 p.m.
• Further limitations or accommodations may be approved by each Justice of the Peace.

We are here to help resolve all your cases. Please call or email to discuss options. Our contacts are listed on our Locations page: http://justicecourts.maricopa.gov/locations.

In addition, we have taken the following sanitation steps to further protect our staff and the public:

• enhanced cleaning of all public and staff areas including counters, courtrooms, hearing rooms, restrooms, and more.
• increased emphasis to staff on staying home when sick.
• increased emphasis to staff on frequent and thorough handwashing.
• more hand sanitizer available to staff and the public at counters and in courtrooms.

We will act in the best interests of the community at all times and will provide updates when and if the situation changes.

Thank you and be safe!