NY Courts to Extend "Virtual" Court to Non-Essential Proceedings

Chief Administrative Judge Marks announced today that starting on Monday, April 13, 2020, the Office of Court Administration will take preliminary steps to open up remote access to the courts for non-essential pending cases. Unfortunately, the existing prohibition on the filing of new non-essential matters will continue. Judge Marks suggested that judges review their current matters and conduct remote conferences with the parties, particularly in those cases where resolution may be facilitated by such conferences, which will be conducted via Skype or telephone. Judge Marks also suggested to judges that this would be a good time to render decisions in fully submitted motions. A copy of Judge Marks’ memorandum can be found here.