CONTENTS
- State Updates: New York
- RMAI Legislative Fund
- RMAI COVID-19 Resources
Holiday Notification: Due to the 4th of July holiday, we will not publish a weekly COVID-19 Member Alert on July 2, 2020. We will resume weekly COVID-19 Member Alerts on July 9, 2020.
State Updates: NY Court Operations
New York
New York State Courts Electronic Filing System
Effective June 10, 2020, the Chief Administrative Judge for the Courts in the State of New York State announced for courts and case types approved for electronic filing, represented parties must use the courts’ electronic filing system. Represented parties must commence all new matters or proceed in pending matters using the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF). If the NYSCEF filing system is not available in certain courts or for certain case types, represented parties must commence new matters exclusively by mail unless otherwise authorized the Chief Administrative Judge.
Click here to review the Order of the Chief Administrative Judge.
New York Update on COVID-19 Developments Affecting Courts and The Justice System
Last week the Chief Judge for the New York State judicial system reported courts in the 5th, 6th and 7th Judicial Districts were reopening in accordance with Phase 3 of the State’s economic reopening plan. On June 22, 2020, she announced the 4th and 8th Judicial Districts would also open in accordance with Phase 3.
As you may recall from previous Member Alerts, under Phase 3, New York courts are permitted to hear an expanded number of in-person matters such as child support, criminal and a limited number of civil bench trials.
So, what does this mean? While there has been an increase in courthouse traffic, members should be aware the courts in New York are continuing to manage the flow of people by staggering court calendars and courtroom usage and requiring compliance with social distancing practices
Click here to review the Chief Judge’s announcement.
New York Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings
New York Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) offices are currently closed, and OATH will not hold in-person hearings until the state’s “stay-at-home” Order is lifted. OATH is still holding remote hearings, trials, conferences and Help Center sessions. OATH’s policy of automatic rescheduling and suspension of defaults, adopted due to the COVID-19 emergency, will end on July 1, 2020.
So, what does this mean? OATH’s physical offices will remain closed until at least July 1, 2020. However, the Order addressing in-person hearings and trials will remain in effect until modified or rescinded. During the period when the Order is in effect, courts may accommodate requests to adjourn and requests to reschedule, including instances where a party indicates an inability to participate by telephone due to the COVID-19 emergency. Click here to learn more.
Support the RMAI Legislative Fund with Our Live and Virtual Silent Auction
The reach of RMAI’s advocacy efforts extends to COVID-19 related actions as well as state and federal regulatory and legislative activity. You can support the Legislative Fund by donating and bidding on items through the Silent Auction.
Click here to access the Silent Auction online.
RMAI COVID-19 Resources
Visit the RMAI COVID-19 resource page on the RMAI website to access other legislative and regulatory guidance and relevant information, RMAI Member Alerts, COVID-19 webinars, and more.
RMAI provides timely and informative updates to members through Member Alerts (like this one) and webinars. RMAI members have complimentary access to all recorded webinars.
RMAI’s Commitment to Consumers and FAQs. The communication is posted in the Resources for Businesses, Employers and Consumers section of the COVID-19 resource page as well as on the Consumers page of the RMAI website.
This alert is intended for members of the Receivables Management Association International and is for informational purposes only and is in no way intended to provide legal advice. Members are encouraged to consult with an attorney of their choice for legal advice concerning this matter.