Bulletin: DC2020004

Dear Associates:

The purpose of this Bulletin is to update agents regarding TOPA and court deadlines.

TOPA DEADLINES

On March 17, 2020, DC Council passed the COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 which extended TOPA deadlines to a date 30 days following the end of the public health emergency. On May 27, 2020, Mayor Bowser extended DC’s public health emergency status until July 24, 2020. That means TOPA deadlines are extended until August 24, 2020; subject to change. Mayor Bowser’s order can be found here.

COURT DEADLINES

DC Superior Court

All divisions will be open in a remote status for filing of pleadings, motions and new cases. Except in any Civil 1 or 2 case subject to Rule 12‐I of the Superior Court Rules of Civil Procedure, all deadlines and time limits in statutes, court rules, and standing orders that would otherwise expire are postponed during the public health emergency. All evictions of tenants and foreclosed homeowners are stayed (postponed) during the public health emergency declared by the Mayor. The most recent Superior Court Order can be found here.

DC Court of Appeals

The latest order can be found here. The DC Court of Appeals historic courthouse building will continue to be closed to the public through June 30, 2020. The court is no longer suspending or tolling filing deadlines. Unless the court has specifically ordered otherwise in a particular case, effective May 31, 2020, parties will have 30 days (until June 30, 2020) to submit any filings that were or are due on or before May 31, 2020.

MORATORIUM ON FORECLOSURES

There is a moratorium on all foreclosures (judicial, non-judicial, condo, etc.) during the state of emergency. The Foreclosure Moratorium Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2020 can be found here.

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

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