Efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus have significantly affected our lives. 
We are required to adapt and change in unexpected ways. As more restrictions arise, what worked before might not be possible. At this point, absent domestic violence or other emergency situations, courts are closed and unavailable. No new divorce actions may be commenced. Despite the shutdowns and complete halt to litigated divorces, there are ways to work on a separation or divorce, even in the time of coronavirus.
The need to move forward with separation or divorce has not stopped. Social isolation often means more stress on relationships; even strong couples face the impact of the added strain of living closer with your spouse, the uncertainty of the duration of the restrictions, the dangers presented by the virus, the loss of income, home schooling children and the myriad other ways the crisis impacts couples. Many find it is time to move forward with separation or divorce.
With courts closed, a litigated divorce is simply not an option. Instead, a negotiated resolution remains available to progress with separation or divorce. During the crisis, collaborative cases have been continue to move forward. We are meeting with clients, conducing collaborative group meetings via video conference, exchanging documents, preparing for meetings and drafting separation agreements and other legal documents for separation and divorce. The collaborative process allows for progress to make needed change in people’s lives.
The coronavirus restrictions and the closure of courts does not have to stop the process of separation or divorce. By negotiating directly, outside of court, with trained attorneys and allied professionals, negotiation and resolution of separation and divorce continues through the collaborative process. We can prepare the documents to complete the process so they are ready for filing when the restrictions begin to ease.
The social distancing and restrictions of the coronavirus does not mean you cannot proceed with an intelligent resolution of your separation and divorce. You can use the collaborative process and have specially trained lawyers and allied professionals to help meet the goals of you, your children and your family in these troubled times.
