Bulletin: TX2020004

Dear Associates:

The Texas Supreme Court and Texas Court of Criminal Appeals have jointly issued five Emergency Orders available for review here https://www.txcourts.gov/supreme/.

These orders include two provisions particularly relevant to underwriting issues. They provide 1. that all courts in Texas may, and must to avoid risk to court staff, parties, attorneys, jurors and the public, modify or suspend any and all deadlines and procedures, whether prescribed by statute, rule, or order, for a stated period ending no later than 30 days after the Governor’s state of disaster has been lifted; and 2. that all courts in Texas may extend the statute of limitations in any civil case for a stated period ending no later than 30 days after the Governor’s state of disaster has been lifted. The order is effective March 13, 2020, and expires May 8, 2020, unless extended by the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court.

You may not rely on the expiration of any deadlines (such as the time to file an appeal, or motion for new trial) or the running of any statute of limitation (such as enforcement judgment liens, tax liens or deed of trust liens) which occur March 13, 2020, through May 8, 2020. You should monitor the Court’s website to determine if the order is extended or further amended.

If you have any questions relating to this or other bulletins, please contact a Stewart Title Guaranty Company underwriter.

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