March 20, 2020 8:10 AM
COVID-19 TEMPORARY CHANGES TO JEFFERSON COUNTY CLERK'S OPERATIONS
NOTICE OF IMMEDIATE TEMPORARY CHANGES TO
JEFFERSON COUNTY CLERK’S OPERATIONS
Effective Dates: March-18,-2020 to April 24, 2020, possibly longer
Our Courthouse will be open on a very limited basis. Enter through the eastern ADA entrance. People will only be admitted to attend a court hearing or for a pre-scheduled appointment. No one will be admitted if symptomatic, so if you are feverish or coughing or just feel like you’re “fighting something,” please call in to your hearing and STAY HOME.
The Clerk’s Office will no longer allow for in-person public access. However for the time being our staff will be working behind closed doors during regular office hours. Some of us may be working remotely. Do not hesitate to call or email us. (360) 385-9125.
Courtroom: A clerk will be present at hearings to record the proceedings and process pleadings. Please help us protect the clerk’s health by remaining a distance of at least six feet from her desk area. Copies of orders processed will be emailed to parties upon request and charged to your account.
Family Law Facilitator: All assistance will be by phone APPOINTMENT. No face-to-face meetings until further notice. If your final paperwork is prepared and ready for final review, mail it to us at Jefferson County Clerk, Attn: Facilitator P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368. Provide a contact phone number and email. Phone (360) 385-9124 and we will call you back Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to set an appointment.
Filing: While the County limits Courthouse access, we’ll accept electronic filing using a file share protocol. Instructions to follow. Email attachments will not be filed. Send pleadings through the USPS mail to Jefferson County Clerk P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368. FAX file per our Local Court Rules to 360-385-5672. You may also drop off your pleadings using the drop box in the Courthouse parking lot that is marked “Court Filings.” Dropped off pleadings MUST be in a sealed envelope marked “SUPERIOR COURT - FILING.” Bench copies must also be clearly marked. If you want to receive conformed copies at no charge, enclose the copies and include a SASE with appropriate postage. You may request copies by email, and pay with a copy account or online. Any filings requiring a fee must be prepaid online or be accompanied by a suitable check or money order. These must be in-state and include a working phone number.
ExParte Fees – While the County limits Courthouse access ex-parte orders will be processed without a fee if presented without a fee. Supply copies and SASE or request emailed copies.
Hearings: Please check the website www.co.jefferson.wa.us for updated information regarding Superior Court. Agreed ex-parte orders are encouraged if this is possible. Non-essential hearings should be delayed if feasible. Telephonic appearance is preferred.
Copies and Payments: Cash will not be accepted because you cannot come to our office to pay in person. From this link: https://co.jefferson.wa.us/874/Services you can order copies or pay online. You may also pay with a credit or debit card by calling 877-793-8935. LFO payments must be paid online, by phone or with a mailed money order or cashier’s check.
Protection Orders: If you need to file a protection order and have access to a computer, please visit www.courts.wa.gov for the correct forms for a DVPO, VAPO, SAPO or anti-harassment order. Once the documents have been filled out, you may mail them, or use the drop box behind the Courthouse, or FAX 360-385-5672 following the Local Court Rules for FAX filing. Call the clerk’s office for further instructions. (360) 385-9125. We will email or snail mail forms to you upon request. Dove House is a resource that may be helpful. Call them at 360-385-5291. Please Note: ALL PROTECTION ORDERS REQUIRE A LAW ENFORCEMENT INFORMATION SHEET. Look for “WPF All Cases 01.0400 LEIS.”
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
If you have questions, concerns, or feedback please do call Ruth Gordon at (360)385-9128 or email rgordon@co.jefferson.wa.us. I want to make this process work as well as it can for you.
