Notice on Chatham Court Operations

Please read the below documents as this relates to all Chatham County Courts

Courthouse Entry Procedures (March 24th)

Superior Court Memorandum (April 9th)

State Court Emergency Operation Protocol Memorandum (March 30th)

Second Order Extending Declaration of Statewide Judicial Emergency (May 11th)

Administrative Order on PPE/Mask/Face Coverings (May 22nd)

Court functions may change outside what has been defined in the Judicial Order. An up-to-date list is provided below.

For as long as a State-Wide Judicial Emergency is in effect the Courts will address essential functions, which are defined by the various Courts as follows:

Recorder's Court: Recorder’s Court will have essential court hearings ONLY until further notice. The following essential judicial functions will continue to be heard:

• Felony First Appearance
• Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Arraignments
• Warrant Signing

Please note all arraignments will be conducted by video from the jail. Our third floor office is closed to the public. If you have any questions, please call 652-7424. Payment windows will still be open, but individuals are requested to pay online rather than come to the courthouse.

State Court:
State Court has vacated all court dockets and will reassess for needed additional measures as events progress.

Magistrate Court:
Magistrate Court will only hear first appearances, bond hearings, and garnishment traverses. Magistrate Court will also handle POST certified officer arrest and search warrant applications.

Probate Court:
Probate Court is offering essential services only with strict safety protocols explained on their webpage. Probate Court is not accepting Weapons Carry License applications. Marriage license applications are by appointment only.

Juvenile Court:
Juvenile Court shall remain open only to address essential functions necessary to protect the health, safety, and liberty of individuals. That shall include, but is not limited to, detention, and dependency emergency removal matters. If you have a hearing and are sick, contact the court before coming. For questions about Juvenile Court matters, please contact your attorney, see the Chatham County Juvenile Court website, or call 912-652-6700.

Superior Court:
Superior Court has suspended jury trials during the period of this Judicial Emergency. All nonessential, non-urgent matters will be rescheduled; however, attorneys and parties should check with each assigned judge's office. Essential functions include bond hearings, temporary protective orders, search warrants, arrest warrants, and other urgent legal matters.

Superior Court Clerk:
The Office of the Clerk of Superior Court is open for “essential” filings and functions necessary to support the operation of the judicial system. The Real Estate Division is open for the limited purposes of title searches, notary, and recording services in support of mortgage and real estate services and transactions. Chatham County Superior Court Clerk’s Office is accepting Civil, Domestic, and Criminal filings and pleadings electronically filed through www.odysseyefilega.com. Criminal filings are limited to filings in cases already accused or indicted. Filing electronically allows you to shelter in place and file your documents from the safety of your home or office. All deadlines have been suspended during the Judicial Emergency and the public is encouraged to use e-filing to file any Petitions, Answers to Petitions, Motions and other pleadings until the Judicial Emergency has been lifted. If you have any questions, please see www.chathamcourts.org or call 912-652-7200.