We have reached our one-year anniversary of the initial shut down of our court system. In March of 2020, our courts were temporarily shut down to slow the spread of the COVID virus. We reopened on a limited capacity in June 2020. Here in our five county district (Franklin, Person, Vance, Granville and Warren, NC), we are still operating on a limited capacity. Our courts have done an excellent job establishing protocols to decrease the possibility of exposure to illness. These measures have included reducing the number of people allowed in the courtroom, temperature checks, masks, assigned seating that are spaced out, and multiple cleanings throughout the day. Courts have also begun embracing technology to reduce the number of participants in our courtrooms. These added measures have slowed the courts down, but court cases have been progressing. Our court officials should be commended for taking the steps that they have. Although we can expect that our system will improve in the coming months, you can expect slower movement toward a resolution of cases that require a hearing.
Delays in court proceedings add many costs to lawsuits that are pending. This not only includes additional attorney’s fees for more court appearances, but the delays also mean lost time from work and an added emotional toil of not having the case resolved. Judges and other court officials are working diligently to address the needs of parties, but there is only so much that they can do. Consider alternative ways of resolving your cases, including mediation to settle your matters by agreement, and if you cannot agree, consider arbitration. You can find out more about mediation here and arbitration here.
If you would like to consider Ms. McCray for mediation or arbitration, please call 919-497-0091. We would be glad to help.