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Navigating Family Court During COVID-19

On Behalf of | May 7, 2020 | Firm News |

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak and Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order, the courts in general have implemented emergency procedures to reduce the risk of transmission and to enable essential operations to remain open. As a result, each county has implemented their own procedures to address family law matters including all emergency and non-emergency filings.These new procedures vary from county to county, and in some cases, from judge to judge.

  • By way of example, effective May 11, 2020, the family division in Wayne County Circuit Court is reopening for remote Zoom hearings only, and these remote hearings will likely remain in effect through the end of 2020.
  • In Oakland County Circuit Court, each of the 7 family division Judges has implemented their own procedures including virtual court room proceedings, previously scheduled court dates, and new filings.

With COVID-19 changing our way of life, many families with existing cases now have the added burden of having to navigating court procedures remotely, including remote filings and hearings – things they may not feel comfortable doing. Others without a pending case wonder whether they can move forward with a new divorce filing, or how to file a post-judgment motion to have their support reduced. For many, these emotional issues are even more daunting as the world emerges into a “new normal.”  It is more important than ever to have the right family law attorney assist you in this changing time to ensure you obtain the best possible outcome for your family.

If you have a family law issue and need assistance navigating the newly implemented court procedures, please contact me at 248-647-7900.