Staying Socially Connected While You Shelter

During this uncertain and stressful time when we’re all feeling a bit socially isolated, it’s important to connect with others in whatever ways we can manage. The Wall Street Journal published an article last fall called The Surprising Boost You Get from Strangers. In it, the writer talks about connecting with a stranger on a long and turbulent flight. She goes on to say that, despite our reluctance to engage with people we don’t know, the benefits of doing so are immeasurable. Chatting with your barista at Starbucks or your Lyft driver on the way to the airport may not lead to a lifelong friendship, but the few minutes spent in idle conversation with an unknown person is proven to enrich one’s day and one’s well-being.

The WSJ article caught the attention of the Harris County Law Library staff for a simple reason – we interact with hundreds of strangers every week, or we used to, prior to the stay-at-home protocol. We’re doing our very best to continue providing the same quality of service to those in need of legal reference assistance. Our access to some resources is, of course, limited, but we are still able to accept and reply to email requests, using many of the same databases and online forms available at the Law Library. If you have a reference question or need documents that we can access remotely, we are happy to help. Refer to our Virtual Reference Desk for details about how to submit your questions, and we’ll reply promptly, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm.

For the time being, we’re unable to provide face-to-face reference service and experience the mutual benefits of interpersonal engagement, but we are just as committed to serving the residents of Harris County. We take our commitment to serve very seriously and feel proud to be recognized as “second responders,” stepping up to meet the ongoing needs of our community: self-represented litigants, members of the Bar, local courts, and the general public.

If we’re unable to provide the information or resources you need, we may refer you to our community partners, the Houston Volunteer Lawyers, who are still providing legal assistance by telephone or the State Bar of Texas, which has compiled a list of resources for “for low-income individuals grappling with civil legal problems as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.” We may also suggest the Texas State Law Library, whose outstanding e-book collection and digital library are freely accessible to any Texas resident. Finally, we may suggest submitting your questions to TexasLegalAnswers.com, a service of the American Bar Association.

Until we all return to our regular workplaces and routines and can experience the power of loose connections once again, it’s important to continue practicing social distancing. Physical proximity may be limited, but reaching out by email, video conference, and phone is not only possible but recommended. The Internet is becoming a nice place to spend time as well.  If it’s social connection you crave, try QuarantineChat, a phone service that connects random people all over the world (in the language of your preference) to exchange thoughts and feelings about life during a pandemic. Sharing experiences with a stranger may be just what we all need.

The Judge Is Zooming Into Your Living Room

Update (5/15/20): Please see revised orders concerning zoom hearings for local courts at justex.net. A collection of relevant links is conveniently available on the 310th District Court’s webpage.

With all of the shelter in place orders, including the Stay Home, Work Safe order here in Harris County that has been extended through April 30, many public spaces are closed to the public. Only businesses that provide essential services to the public are exempt from these orders and can remain open. What about court proceedings, such as trials and hearings, that might resolve disputes involving child custody, child support, or domestic violence cases? Wouldn’t these cases be considered “essential?” Yes, they would. In fact, the operation of courts and the functions of court clerks are deemed to be essential governmental functions. However, there are some limitations placed upon the courts with respect to in-person court proceedings. The Third Emergency Order Regarding the COVID-19 State of Disaster issued on March 19, 2020 by the Supreme Court of Texas and the Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas prohibits courts from conducting non-essential proceedings in person contrary to any local, state, or national directive, regarding group size until at least May 8, 2020. However, proceedings deemed essential may be held in person so long as holding it remotely is not feasible or possible, with some exceptions, no more than 10 persons are gathered, and those present follow social distancing guidelines. Here, in Harris County, the Family District Courts have stated that essential matters include: protective order and family violence cases; habeas corpus and writs of attachment for children; CPS cases; judicial bypass cases; enforcement cases brought under Tex. Fam. Code ch. 157, if the respondent is in custody; suits and hearings with jurisdictional deadlines; and, other matters designated as essential in the court’s discretion. See the Harris County Family District Courts’ Policies and Procedures during COVID-19 for additional guidance.

Update (5/15/20): Please see revised orders concerning zoom hearings for local courts at justex.net. A collection of relevant links is conveniently available on the 310th District Court’s webpage.

What happens if your case falls under the category of non-essential? The Office of Court Administration, a state agency that acts under the direction and supervision of the Supreme Court of Texas, is giving judges the ability to stream and hold court proceedings via Zoom and YouTube. So what does that mean, especially for the self-represented litigant? To offer some guidance, TexasLawHelp.org has created a webpage that answers several questions the public might have about this relatively new concept of the virtual courtroom. There are discussions about rescheduling hearings, knowing if you have a court date through zoom, and presenting evidence to the judge. It is also important to read the tips for conducting yourself in the virtual courtroom and for practicing with Zoom prior to your scheduled hearing. If you are having difficulty with an internet connection, please read the article on TexasLawHelp.org about internet access.

Remember: the key thing is to be prepared just as you would if you were appearing in person before the judge. She may be in your living room, but you are still in her court.