In these unprecedented times, we are all worried about our health, family, jobs, businesses, and communities. You may personally be working from home while overseeing your children’s education. 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 cancelled 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 is still conducting 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 social distancing at the other parent’s home. Some parents’ visitation schedules may be impacted by a change in the school’s schedule. 

How is COVID 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 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and our staff is here 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 being conducted remotely or via video chat and meeting 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 witness 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 so that our lawyers can counsel you through the legal issues you face during COVID-19. Reach us at 864-804-6330.