Family law hearings during Covid19

Covid19 has caused major disruptions  in the lives of people around the world. In the past several months most of us have been required to adapt to the reality of life in the age of Covid19. This article is intended to inform you on how Covid19 impacted the family court in orange county and the rest of California. Additionally, if you have a pending case in the family court, we hope to  give you some guidance on what you can do to resolve your family law dispute through a private family mediation.

California stay home order

On March 19, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a stay home order. The purpose was to protect the health and safety of those in California during the Covid19.  As a result, state courts all around California closed their doors to non-emergency matters. Most trials and hearings were rescheduled. On March 28, 2020, Governor Newsom gave the judicial council of California power to modify certain laws within the court system for the protection and health of Californians. Therefore, a lot has changed as to the  rules of state courts in California.

Impact on family courts

Visit the courts website to learn about the exact changes since each county has its own set of rules and local procedures.   In many counties, family law hearings are now conducted virtually.  Many hearings were changed to status conferences. This has caused a large backlog of cases in family courts. Family law trials have been delayed. Depending on the nature and facts of your case the court may hear your case virtually or in person if physical presence is necessary.

Emergency family law cases

There is a large backlog in family courts. Yet, emergency cases like domestic violence, or ex-parte custody matters will be heard.  Time sensitive cases will also be heard by the court. Yet,  many divorce and custody cases that are not time sensitive or emergency have been rescheduled. To determine whether your case can be heard by the court, talk to a family law attorney in your area.

Family law private mediation

If you have a family dispute you can always turn to private mediation for effective ways to resolve your dispute. Mediation is when parties agree to resolve their dispute with a help of a neutral person. Mediation is effective in simple and complex disputes whether it is a family disputes or a dispute between corporate giants like Samsung and Apple. In a family dispute with a help of a mediator you can resolve your complex family dispute, cheaper and more effectively.

Conclusion

Despite Covid19 disruptions, you can still work to resolve your family dispute privately with the help from lawyers and mediators. Thus, you do not have to wait for the family court.  Take charge and use other dispute resolution tools shown to be more effective. In doing so, you can save money and time while working on truly resolving your legal dispute.