Superior Court

Current Court Operations
Court Commis-sioner Hearings
Jury Information
Emergency Orders

The Court continues to operate pursuant to the Emergency Orders issued in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

All orders are extended through at least May 4, 2020, and extended to comply with the Governor’s phase-in programs releasing the Stay Home-Stay Healthy orders (see Emergency Order #14 and Emergency Order #15)
All in-person criminal and civil jury trials, set to begin on or after November 23, 2020, are suspended until at least January 11, 2021. Jury trials already in session where a jury has been sworn and social distancing and other public health measures are observed may, at the discretion of the trial court or by agreement of the parties, proceed or recess to be continued at a later date. (see Emergency Order #21 )
In-custody criminal arraignments, bail hearings, and in-custody pleas and sentences will still occur (see Emergency Order #5 and Emergency Order #15)
Civil bench trials may occur with the agreement of all parties and the permission of the Judicial Department. All attorneys, parties and witnesses must appear remotely via phone or video. Contact your assigned Judicial Department if you are interested in holding a bench trial with these conditions (see Emergency Order #4, Emergency Order #5, and Emergency Order #15)
Parties may still note and file civil motions, which will be considered on the pleadings only, unless telephonic argument is requested by the Court. Motions must still be confirmed. Proposed orders must be included with each motion. (see Emergency Order #4 )
Domestic Violence, Vulnerable Adult, and other Protection Orders: To request an initial order, appear in person at the Superior Court Clerk’s Office (930 Tacoma Avenue S., Room 110) to complete the petition and to appear for your initial hearing before a Court Commissioner. Partner relationships can also call Family Justice Center (253) 798-4166 or the YWCA at (253) 383-2593. To appear for a final DVPO hearing, make arrangements for a telephonic hearing through Court Call at least 10 days in advance of the hearing. Vulnerable Adult Protection Orders will be heard via ZOOM or in person in Courtroom 100. To accommodate the named vulnerable adult, the vulnerable adult may request to appear by telephone or in person.
Court Commissioner Hearings: Please see the Emergency Temporary Procedures for Commissioner Hearings. All properly scheduled family and civil hearings will be conducted via ZOOM. Unlawful Detainers/Evictions have been suspended by order of the Governor. Most Ex Parte matters may be submitted electronically with the Clerk’s Office. Ex Parte mail fees are waived through August 31, 2020. The fee will begin being imposed on September 1, 2020 (see Emergency Order #4 and Emergency Order #10 ) Latest updates on the Commissioners’ page, or call (253) 798-6890.
Unlawful Detainers/Evictions have been suspended, with limited exceptions, by order of the Governor. Pierce County Superior Court has agreed to participate in a pilot Eviction Resolution Program (ERP) and ERP is mandated prior to conducting a hearing on the Unlawful Detainer Calendar (see Emergency Order #19 and the attachments)
Remote proceedings are not to be recorded by audio or video or photographed (see Emergency Order #17)
Pierce County Juvenile Court is conducting limited proceedings using remote appearances (see Emergency Order #7 )
Western State Hospital is conducting proceedings using remote appearances (see Emergency Order #8 ) and Joel’s Law Petitions continue to be processed by the Commissioner at WSH.

All Emergency Orders are on the "Emergency Order" tab on this page. Please continue to check the Pierce County Superior Court website frequently as the Emergency Orders are subject to change and additional Emergency Orders may be issued.

Questions about individual cases should be directed to the assigned Judicial Department, Criminal Division Presiding Judge (for unassigned criminal cases) or the Presiding Judge (for unassigned civil cases).