How Attorneys Can Still Assist Families During COVID-19
By Guest Blogger: Erin M. Wilson
While the courts are not scheduled to re-open until at least May 30, 2020, family law attorneys are working 100% remotely on all aspects of divorce cases, child representation/Guardian ad Litem work, mediation, parenting coordination, and prenuptial agreements! Family law attorneys can coordinate with the Courts to get your divorce finalized quickly, even in the midst of COVID-19 and Governor Pritzker’s Stay-at-Home Order.
Litigation: During the past few weeks the order has been in place, family law attorneys have continued to litigate and “go to court” remotely. They have been able to conduct remote prove-ups (finalize divorces), facilitate remote pretrial conferences with Judges and Opposing Counsel, and even scheduled and prepared for a remote trial! The Cook County Court System has set up capabilities to finalize divorces, conduct hearings, and even have pretrials and trials remotely. Do not put your mental and emotional health on hold during this time, reach out to NVision for family law referrals. Firms do not want to put your case on pause and will continue to litigate and draft motions remotely.
Parenting Coordination: Many attorneys have worked as a parenting coordinator during Covid-19, facilitating conversation and compromise between parties struggling with co-parenting via Zoom conference calls, email, and telephone calls. Covid-19 has brought up different struggles to co-parenting, making pickups and drop offs challenging in new ways. Offices have worked hard to help families continue to work through their parenting struggles to lessen stress and tension during this time.
Mediation: Family law attorneys are also available to mediate remotely during Governor Pritzker’s Shelter-in-Place order. They can schedule Zoom conference calls for the parties individually before conducting a mediation session remotely for both parties to come to understandings regarding a divorce, separation, or parenting schedule. Attorneys continue to be available during the week to facilitate these remote sessions and help families solve their contested issues with an unbiased third party.
Guardian ad Litem or Child Representative: You can still get a Guardian ad Litem or Child Representative appointed on your case. Family attorneys are working tirelessly to give children the best representation during their cases. They are available remotely via phone and email for communication. Attorneys have the ability to support children and advocate for them even during this unsure time. Worried about cost? Some attorneys charge reasonable rates and are even willing to work with families on sliding scales for Child Representation cases during this financially difficult time.
It truly is amazing what technology can do. If you are feeling troubled with co-parenting struggles or a contentious situation with your spouse, you can reach out to a family law attorney via telephone or Zoom for an initial call. Offices are continuing to litigate contentious cases of divorce and custody even though the physical courthouse is closed. The Domestic Relations Division has worked tirelessly to give law offices and parties the ability to continue working through their cases with the same Judges and attorneys. Attorneys are continuing to draft pleadings and motions and present them for hearings in front of Judges throughout this time of quarantine. If you are ready to begin the process, please contact our office for family law referrals, or if you are in an abusive situation at home, please call the City of Chicago Domestic Violence Hotline at Phone: 1.877.863.6338. As always, we are here to assist you via telehealth or phone call - you are not alone. Please do not hesitate to reach out or schedule an appointment during this uncertain and challenging time.
The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson is available as a great resource to help you navigate your options as a family and advocate for best solutions. Keep The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson in mind now, and in the future, as a source of support for your family and parenting questions and concerns.
