Court Commissioner

The Judicial Court Commissioner for Douglas County is appointed by the two Circuit Court judges. The Court Commissioner position exists to perform certain judiciary duties as mandated by statute. The core purpose of the Commissioner position is to independently, fairly, and impartially handle matters and resolve contested litigation cases which appear before the court. As a judicial officer, the Court Commissioner is strictly prohibited from providing legal advice to any person.

The Judicial Court Commissioner serves three roles: Family Court Commissioner, Juvenile Court Commissioner, and Circuit Court Commissioner. The general circuit court matters handled by the Court Commissioner include both criminal court and civil court matters. Learn more about the Commissioner’s Roles.

LIVE STREAMING

In order to allow public access to court hearings, Court Commissioner Lovejoy's live streaming is available via dacast.  

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COURTROOM CAPACITY

To accommodate social distancing, the seating capacity of the courtrooms has been limited and is specified outside each courtroom. Persons entering a courtroom are required to use designated seating only, such as chairs and bench cushions. If the courtroom is full and no seating is available, persons should remain in the hall until someone comes to get them for their hearing.


RESPONSIBILITIES

The civil court matters handled by the Commissioner include the handling of domestic abuse, child abuse, and harassment restraining order hearings, and the holding of evidentiary probable cause mental commitment hearings. The Commissioner also conducts initial appearances in traffic regulation cases, supplemental examinations, and performs wedding ceremonies. In addition, the Court Commissioner also handles small claims initial returns and trials.

Additional information and forms regarding the filing of small claims actions can be obtained from the Douglas County Clerk of Courts Office, Room 309 of the Courthouse.

REVIEW THE LOCAL COURT RULE ADDENDUM REGARDING VIRTUAL PROCEEDINGS FOR BEST VIRTUAL COURT PRACTICES

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SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

Persons wishing to attend court by an alternate means may contact each respective judicial office prior to their hearing to request special accommodations. Whenever possible or necessary, the court will hold the hearing in an alternate manner, such as video or telephone.

Vulnerable populations attending court will be accommodated by allowing appearance by such alternate manner. Individuals over age 65, and individuals with serious underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, or compromised immune systems, are considered to be vulnerable populations.