San Mateo Co. Superior Court delays certain proceedings after budget cuts

( KRON ) — San Mateo County's superior court is reducing several services due to state budget cuts. These changes will delay proceedings for civil and family cases.

Governor Newsom announced that California faces a $45 billion budget deficit statewide, and cuts are needed to address the gaps. The newly passed state budget cuts $97 million from its trial courts.

“I wish there was a better answer on how to serve the community, but there is not.” San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe told KRON4. San Mateo County Superior Court says it is having to reduce services in its civil, family and records departments, cutting $1.4 million in costs.

“Things are going to slow down in the civil arena, not criminal. For people who want to get orders signed, restraining orders, filing property docs, things like that,” Wagstaffe said, dubbing the cuts a loss to the county.

Due to the cuts, family court services will see delays in scheduled hearings. The standard time for a hearing has jumped from 8-10 weeks to 12-16 weeks. “People don't get to move on with their lives. When you’re dealing with serious personal and family issues, the last thing you want to hear is ‘I’m sorry, but you are going to have to wait until 2025,'” Wagstaffe said.

The number of daily appointments and walk-ins will also be limited. Residents KRON4 spoke with say these changes will create greater challenges for those coming to the courts.

“I can see people just giving up, and just allowing things go and not wanting to fight the good fight. It’s not like people want to be in here.. But maybe you have been wronged in some fashion,” Cheyne Lopez, a San Mateo County resident, said.

Lopez, who is at court for a civil matter, says it is disappointing to learn that judgments for civil and family cases could be delayed up to six months.

“It’s going to be a struggle because we all are dealing with financial struggles. So making someone wait for six months will require them to make changes to their entire lifestyle,” Lopez said.

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