At this time, chancellors (judges) can continue to hold court or reschedule court dates at their discretion. However, even if your court is closed, the courts will remain accessible for emergency hearings or temporary hearings on issues such as:

• Financial support for a spouse or child
• Emergency custody orders
• Emergency matters related to the welfare of a child (as deemed by Child Protective Services)
• Petitions for temporary or injunctive relief
• Proceedings related to emergency mental health orders
• Proceedings related to emergency protection of elderly or vulnerable persons
• Proceedings related to emergency child matters or matters deemed by the Youth Court Judge to be necessary
• Any other exceptions deemed by the court

Each judge has the choice to determine the method by which the hearing shall be conducted. They may impose restrictions or guidelines to enforce the safety of all before the court but are encouraged to limit in-person courtroom contact as much as possible.

Visitation:

Mississippi Courts, in general, are not stopping visitation orders unless both parties agree that it is in the best interest of the parties or children to stop visitation. No court order is required to enact this, but both parties must be in agreement. However, there may be extenuating circumstances that would lead the court to stop visitation, such as the child’s pre-existing health conditions that would be exacerbated if subjected to COVID-19 or other reasons determined on a case-by-case basis. 

For more information: https://18thchanceryms.com/corona.pdf.

Continue reading:

• Government options for economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Changes to courts, jails and law enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Legal proceedings during COVID-19.