I care for my 88 year old mother who has lived with us for over a year now. She's unable to open jars, bottles, etc. due to RA. I just got summoned for jury duty. I have no siblings so there's only me. Is this a valid excuse? Do I have to shirk one duty for another duty?
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.
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.
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