法院关门了. 现在?

家庭法律专家

Partner, 伍德拉夫家庭律师事务所

If you have a family law case pending in any county in the Piedmont Triad, your case is likely on hold in the court system due to the closures caused by 新型冠状病毒肺炎.  目前, our courts are closed until June 1, 2020; however, that is subject to change like most other things in our world today.  在闭包期间, the courts are only hearing limited family law issues, which include matters such as temporary restraining orders, domestic violence 和 emergency custody.

Do you have to sit around 和 wait months 和 months for a hearing?  不一定!  There are several options available. Your divorce lawyer can tell if one of these options is appropriate for your case.

中介

第一个选项是中介, where the parties 和 their attorneys hire a third-party neutral mediator to attempt to resolve the issues in your case.  目前, mediations are mostly being held remotely through video conferencing software such as WebEx.  在大多数情况下, NC Statutes require that equitable distribution, alimony 和 custody be mediated prior to hearings; therefore, this is a great opportunity to complete required mediation if you are able.

仲裁

Have you tried mediation 和 it was unsuccessful?  另一个选择是仲裁, which is set up like a court hearing, with an arbitrator (who is a family lawyer) serving as your Judge.  证词, witnesses 和 exhibits are presented just as you would in court, 和 the Arbitrator issues a ruling as a Judge would.   Your arbitration award is then confirmed by the Courts as a court order.  This can be a very effective tool to have your matter heard 和 completed efficiently.  伍德拉夫家庭律师事务所 has experience navigating the arbitration process.  Talk with your lawyer to see if this option is appropriate for your case.

远程法庭聆讯

Remote court hearings are an option in certain matters in certain counties.  Guilford County has issued a set of guidelines to determine which matters are eligible to be heard through remote channels. The first requirement is that both parties must consent to proceed with a remote hearing.  Guilford County courts are hearing matters such as post-separation support, temporary custody 和 child support, as well as certain discovery 和 other legal argument motions.  它们是有时间限制的, 和 you are also limited on the number of exhibits you may present; however, these online hearings can serve as a valuable tool to keep your case going while you wait for the courts to reopen.  伦道夫县, 另一方面, 有一套不同的指导方针吗, 和 they are m和ating that certain hearings occur remotely, such as temporary custody proceedings.  Please visit the COVID tab on our website to read more about each county’s set of guidelines.

While these times may be extremely frustrating if you need the court’s assistance, please talk with your attorney to determine if there are ways to move your case forward in the interim.  我们是来帮忙的!