LA Courts suspend debt collection until March because of fires

The Los Angeles County Superior Court has suspended collection action on delinquent court debts until March in response to the wildfires that have burned through the county.

The court announced on Thursday that it would pause active collection efforts on court debts tied to criminal, traffic, family law, dependency and civil matters as well as juror sanctions.

Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II said, "Temporarily suspending active collection efforts on past-due court debt is one small way the Court can provide meaningful, timely relief for members of our community."

The court confirmed that the pause on collection action applies retroactively starting from Jan. 9, two days after the Palisades and Eaton fires erupted. Collections will resume on March 8.

Clerk of the Court David W. Slayton, said, "The Court recognizes the profound impact the wildfires have had on countless residents across Los Angeles County. With the suspension announced today, the Court is demonstrating its commitment to working within its authority to provide relief where possible."