What do I do about jury duty summons?

This happened to me and I was excused. I had to fill out a form and return it by a certain date.

The first year that I had guardianship of my mother, I received "Notice to Appear". The included survey form asked for any reason that I should not be expected to serve. In writing, I truthfully explained my situation and I included a copy of the court order of guardianship. I didn't want to take a chance that this service would be more than a few days. Public service is very important, but my mother's safety is more important.

This just happened to me. I filled out the court questionnaire, explained that I was the sole caregiver, and they excused me without the need for *any* documentation! Let's face it -- you have thousands of courthouses, and each can follow different requirements and procedures. Some are more trusting (that people won't lie), others are not.

It is generally understood that the job of primary caregiver is very demanding, especially when you take into consideration for most it's a 24/7/365 obligation.
The thing most don't understand is that it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to interrupt a strict medication schedule, doctors appointments, laundry, food preparation, bathing, etc...
Unfortunately, not all jurisdictions have a standardized jury exemption procedure, and doubly sad is the fact that some would use primary caregiver as an excuse to avoid their jury duty obligations. Most primary caregivers would welcome jury duty as a well deserved vacation from the sometimes overwhelming demands of taking care of a declining loved one, or two, as the case may be.
Call your local county courts administrator's office, and they should be able to provide you with the necessary exemption information.
Thank God I only have to check a box on the notification card, attesting to the fact that I'm a primary caregiver, and sign it, under the penalty of perjury of coarse.

Windrose, Yes this is a valid excuse! I just got called to serve as well. the summons was for the 19th of August. I filled out the card that was attached to the summons, as to why I was not able to serve and sent it in. I later received a postcard , stating that I was excused, and thanking me for returning the card and info. Nothing else was necessary. Hope this helps

They used to get the jury pool names from the voters registration. Then they caught on that people were not registering to avoid Jury duty. Now, they also get it from the Motor vehicle registration for driver's licenses.

I had to write them a letter stating that it would cause undue financial hardship for me to find someone to care for her while at jury duty as she requires assistance in all facets of her daily life (dressing, bathing, eating, etc). They had no problem excusing me.

In many states, simply being older than 75 is excuse enough.

When my Dad got such a summons, I wrote back..explained that he is unable to remain awake for periods longer than about 30 minutes. Is incontinent and will need extra depends and time to bathroom breaks every hour,

I got a simple notice that being 93 was reason enough.

My mom has gotten three Jury Duty summons since she moved to Assisted Living then Skilled Nursing...she's 89 and never got them before. I think I should take her, in her wheelchair, she can't hear well, likes to talk about the potty, and tell them I'm her POA Should get a giggle out of the perspective Jurors.

I though about that too. Thinking it would cause a real stir...imagine bringing him in with the wheel chair, and handing the court clerk the extra depends and advice the clerk to change him every hour before he starts to smell. Oh...and he will need nap times, maybe the court could break for them?