ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER BASED ON DECLARATION OF JUDICIAL EMERGENCY 

WHEREAS, On March 14, 2020, the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court, Harold Melton issued an Order Declaring a Judicial Emergency due to COVID-19, until April 13, 2020; 

WHEREAS, In the interest of public health, safety, and welfare, this court will remain open and will conduct all essential functions as listed below. All non-essential matters will be canceled,  rescheduled or conducted by alternative methods for the duration of the judicial emergency; 

WHEREAS, since there are probate court services and functions that need to be amended, suspended, and/or rescheduled to protect the public and court staff from COVID-19, it is hereby ORDERED the following be designated as essential proceedings of the probate court: 

1. Emergency Guardianships and Conservatorships;
2. Permanent Guardianships and Conservatorships of Minors and Adults; 
3. All legitimate emergency motions and/or petitions;
4. Medical Consent Guardianships; 
5. Mental Health Proceedings and Orders to Apprehend; 
6. Criminal First Appearance Hearings; 
7. Probation Bond Hearings; 
8. Marriage Licenses and Issuance/Processing of Vital Records;