We are all worried about our health, family, jobs, businesses, and communities in these unprecedented times of Covid-19. You may personally be working from home while overseeing your children’s education. In fact, You may be temporarily laid off from work. You may be working, but also worried about social distancing as you report to your job. 

Amid all these concerns, life has not stopped, and you may also have legal questions. Over the past week, our clients and staff are facing new hurdles: 

• Family Court hearings are delayed until May 1, 2020, with the exception of emergency hearings. However, pleadings may still be filed. 
• Probate appointments and hearings are canceled until May 1, 2020, with the Probate office operating on a limited scale. However, documents may still be submitted. 
• Jury trials are suspended.
• DSS matters are delayed as many agencies and organizations are not open or accessible. However, DSS still conducts limited hearings to meet statutory requirements.
• Pretrial intervention courses are on hold as certain facilities are closed. 
• Clients are concerned about paying child support or other court-ordered payments. 
• Parents are apprehensive about visitation and whether their children are socially distancing at the other parent’s home. A change in the school’s schedule may impact some parents’ visitation schedules. 

How is COVID-19 impacting you?

We would be glad to work through each of these unforeseen circumstances with you. 

Until we are told otherwise by our local government, we are still here and working: 

• Our offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and our staff is available to answer your calls and emails.
• We are conducting phone consultations, and there is no delay in filing new cases.
• Settlement conferences and mediations are conducted remotely or via video chat, and meetings are held in separate rooms when necessary. 
• Previously scheduled residential and commercial closings are still occurring, and we are facilitating social distancing where possible.
• Trial judges may host hearings at their discretion, but only counsel, parties, and witnesses may be present. 
• E-filing remains open for all civil matters. 
• The Secretary of State is still working, and business matters may be filed. 

Please contact our office at 864-804-6330 so our lawyers can counsel you through the legal issues you face during COVID-19.