Pandemic Addition 2020

Probate Operations during COVID19The past few months have been full of uncertainty and change. However, your SummitCounty Probate Court has continued operations while keeping you and our staff safe. Safesocial distancing and masks have being implemented. Thanks to a technology grant fromthe Supreme Court of Ohio, the Court has implemented hearings via Zoom. The addition ofcameras and microphones allow hearings and other court business to continue throughoutthe stay at home and social distancing orders. The grant of $14,000 was used to purchasesecure laptops with cameras to allow court personnel to conduct remote mandatoryhearings and for our court investigators to continue their important work.

The staff remains divided into two working groups to allow for flexibility in the event of aquarantine. This may result in a delay in some matters. We appreciate your patience.

Anyone that needs to file documents is strongly encouraged to do so by mail or e-filingsystem. (E-Filing instructions are available on our website) However, filings in person arepermitted. Those wishing to file in person will drop their filings at the counter in the mainclerk’s office. If you have questions, please attach them in writing to the documents and theappropriate staff member will contact you. Members of the public should not approach theclerk’s individual desks unless requested by the clerk and then must remain 6 feet away.

Court fees may be paid by mail or in person. If in person, social distancing is required. Thepayers must remain at the mark on the floor in front of the cashier's office until calledforward by the cashier.

Adoption hearings will be conducted via Zoom for the foreseeable future. Most NameChange hearings will be waived for the foreseeable future. The Help Desk is cancelled untilfurther notice.

Where appropriate, all hearings will be held by telephone or video conference. The judgeor magistrates will decide if in person hearings are required, on a case-by-case basis.Masks and social distancing will be required in the courtroom.

Court investigators will be available by telephone. To reach the Court investigator on call,please call 330-643-8771.

Adoption ZoomingMany hearings including adoptions were able to be held by Zoom to keep families safe andallow family members to be "in attendance" for the adoption.

Love in the time of COVID

Marriage licenses barely skipped a beat, with over 500 couples applying in the past fewmonths, including the always busy months of May and part of June. Love continues in thetime of COVID19.

Marriage licenses are available in person. Applicants must have a firm date, an officiatorand are urged to use the online application process to bring a filled printed copy to court.While in the court, they must maintain social distancing by staying behind the markers onthe floor. All applicants are welcome to apply for their license in the month of theirceremony. For a ceremony set in the next month, applicants are welcome after the 15th ofthe month preceding. Licenses will not be issued if there is no firm date or the ceremony isset more than 45 days away.

Side-by-side but six feet apart, two couples prepare to get their marriage licenses.

Judge Stormer's Cards for Seniors

Photo credit Akron Beacon Journal

Thousands of Summit County senior citizens have been forced to isolate from their familiesduring the COVID19 crisis. Since Probate Court works with many seniors in extended carefacilities we asked the public to let them know that they were not forgotten by making cardsof encouragement. Summit County responded in amazing ways. The Court has collectedand delivered nearly 4000 cards and small gifts to date to seniors in care or living center orin isolation at home through Vantage Aging's Meal's on Wheels program. Some of thecards were true works of art. When we can all gather again, the Probate Court hopes tohold an art show featuring this amazing artwork called The Art of a Pandemic.

About half of the cards displayed.Photo Credit Akron Beacon Journal

Mia, a preschooler from Akron, makescards for seniors.

Above seniors in Blue Stream Rehab and Nursing

Seniors at Ohio Living Rockynol

Some of the art and artists who sent work in for seniors.

Senior Summit 2020 CancelledThank you so much for your interest in the Senior Summit. Due to the pandemic, we wereforced to cancel for 2020 and come back in May of 2021. The target date is May 7 and 8,2021. Please continue to support seniors in our community and the growth of our AgeFriendly Community.

Summit County Probate Court| | 330-643-7346 | 330-643-2393| lmansfield@summitohioprobate.com |

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