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The COVID-19 pandemic is creating a myriad of problems for families across the country. Whether you wish to get a divorce or are struggling with child custody challenges exacerbated by this crisis, you are likely finding yourself in a predicament that requires some legal guidance. Due to court closures, you may have concerns about whether or not your case can move forward. Although only emergency cases are currently being heard in court, you must not hesitate to get the ball rolling on your case. There is a massive backlog of cases, which means that once courts reopen and resume business, it may take a substantial amount of time before your case is heard. The longer you wait to file your case now, the more time it will take to be heard even after courts reopen.
Family Law Cases During a Time of COVID-19
If you have an open case in family court, you will be able to continue the discovery process. However, if you have not yet filed your case with the court, you can negotiate a settlement outside of court, or your attorney can file a Complaint for Divorce electronically to get it started.
If you and your former spouse have a child custody order, you must continue to follow it and, if you are both experiencing difficulties complying with it, communicate directly to ensure you are both on the same page. You may also consider temporarily adjusting your parenting plan and putting the new terms in writing. If you cannot achieve an agreement, contact an attorney to learn more about your options.
Of course, one of the biggest impacts this pandemic is having is on a financial level. If you cannot fulfill your support obligations, you should continue to pay as much as you can and speak with an attorney as soon as possible about temporarily modifying these obligations until you can resume payments again. Even though your case will not be heard right away, if your request is granted, it may be retroactively effective.
Schedule a Consultation with a Knowledgeable Family Law Attorney Today!
If you are dealing with a family law dispute in the middle of this terrible pandemic, you still have legal options for moving your case forward. At the Law Office of Robert W. Kovacs, Jr., our family law team will help you navigate this novel situation and provide the exceptional legal services we are known for. Whether you wish to move your divorce case along or need to modify your child custody or support order, we will work with you to create the solutions you need during this overwhelming and stressful time. None of us expected this lifechanging event to occur, but you can rely on us to get you through it.
Reach out to our law office today at (508) 645-4073 to request a consultation with an experienced member of our team.
