Q: IS THE CLERK'S OFFICE OPEN FOR BUSINESS?

A: Santa Barbara County Superior Court clerk's offices are closed to the public from March 17, 2020 through April 23, 2020. This closure may be extended. Please check our website for up-to-date information before coming to the clerk's office.

Q: IS THE CLERK'S OFFICE ACCEPTING FILINGS?

A: The clerk's office will continue to accept electronic filings. All attorneys are required to efile. Electronic filing is available at www.sbcourts.org. Self-represented parties are encouraged to e-file, but may submit filings by mail or fax. Use of the drop boxes is discouraged due to the possible transmission of the COVID-19 virus. If it is impossible to efile or submit by mail or fax, there are designated drop boxes located at the court locations.

Q: IS THE COURT HOLDING PROBATE PROCEEDINGS?

A: In an effort to protect the public and court staff, no court hearings will be held in the court locations from March 17, 2020 through April 23, 2020. This is subject to extension. Please check our website www.sbcourts.org for up-to-date information.

Special Note To Those With Probate Matters Pending In NORTH County:

If you had a probate matter scheduled in Santa Maria between March 17, 2020 and April 23, 2020, check to see if probate notes were posted for the date the matter was originally scheduled. Such notes will be posted where possible and may be posted even after the original hearing date has passed. The court intends to clear as many cases without appearance as soon as operations are continued. Clearing your notes will increase your chances of speedy resolution.

Q: WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBATE/GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP MATTER SCHEDULED DURING THE COURT CLOSURE?

A: Matters previously scheduled between March 17 and April 23, 2020 will not proceed. All Probate proceedings will be rescheduled and notices sent to the parties at the address the court has on file. Please see our Amended General Order re Implementation of Emergency Relief Authorized Pursuant to Government Code Section 68115 by Chair of Judicial Council dated March 30, 2020.

Q: WHAT IF TEMPORARY LETTERS EXPIRE BEFORE MY PROBATE/GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP MATTER IS RESCHEDULED?

A: Included in the Court's March 30, 2020 Amended General Order: Any letters of temporary guardianship or temporary conservatorship with an expiration date of March 17, 2020 through and including April 23, 2020 are hereby amended. Paragraph 3 of all such orders is amended to read "These letters shall expire on May 15, 2020 or upon earlier issuance of Letters to a general guardian or conservator." New Letters of Temporary Guardianship or Temporary Conservatorship shall be issued by the clerk upon request.

Q: IS THE COURT HEARING EMERGENCY EX PARTE MATTERS?

A: If you believe you need an emergency hearing in your case, attorneys or self-represented parties may contact the court and explain the basis for the emergency. The request will be reviewed by a Judge and a determination will be made as to the necessity of a hearing.

One judge in Santa Barbara and one judge in Santa Maria have been designated by the presiding judge to handle any emergency ex parte requests. These are true EMERGENCY situations ONLY. Please call the following numbers in the respective court divisions to arrange for an ex parte hearing:

Santa Barbara: 805.882.4590
Santa Maria: 805.614.6500