By Laura D’Orsi
How has Covid 19 impacted divorces in New Jersey? Well it has been 7 months since our initial lockdown due to Covid 19. The legal system has been impacted. The Courts as of September 2020 are still mainly operating remotely and not having in person Court appearances. Lawyers and clients are appearing remotely through Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
Do you still file for divorce? Yes, we prepare the documents to file for divorce and submit them to the Court electronically.
Do you always file with the Court? In all cases we eventually have to file a Complaint for Divorce, but in many cases we try to first reach a resolution and then file for divorce when we already have a signed Property Settlement Agreement.
Can you handle mediations? We have worked with mediators through Zoom and other platforms throughout the pandemic. We are also able to work with parties who want to mediate cases through Zoom.
Can we ever meet ‘”live”? We do have outdoor space at our firm so if the individual would like to see us face to face we can meet with you outdoors, socially distanced with masks.
How do you sign wills and legal documents? As stated above, we had outdoor space, so we are able to properly execute your documents face to face outdoors, socially distanced with masks.
What about child support and custody matters? We are still handling these matters for clients, we can file applications with the Court and appear virtually on your behalf.
Can I receive alimony? Yes, you are still entitled to receive alimony if it is applicable in your case.
What should I do if I want a consultation? Contact our offices and we will arrange for a time to speak.