by VA Family Law Firm

Blog, DivorceSeptember 24, 20200 comments

What Is a Divorce Hearing Like During COVID?

With the Judiciary of Virginia limiting which cases can be heard in court during the pandemic, a massive backlog has changed how families access the courts. This has many wondering what is a divorce hearing like during COVID? 

Keep reading to learn what the pandemic means for families dealing with the pressures of COVID while separating, divorcing, or seeking other family related law matters. 

Emergency Situations and the Court

Though there is an extensive backlog in the Virginia court, cases designated as emergencies are given priority. These cases include those involving protective orders, matters involving Child Protective Services, and urgent custody issues requiring a temporary order. 

That said, even if your case cannot be heard because it does not fit the criteria for constituting an emergency, there are steps you can take to prepare for your divorce.

Virtual Hearings

Many Northern Virginia courts are holding hearings via a virtual web conference, such as WebEx or Microsoft Teams.   Each party, their attorneys, and witnesses can log into the hearing using a computer or smart phone. 

A virtual hearing allows parties to move forward with their divorce, while still maintaining social distancing.   Each court has different criteria for determining whether a hearing will be held in person or virtually.

Spend Your Time Wisely

While you wait for your day in court, your time will be well served by gathering documents that will be needed for your settlement or for litigation. List all documents you may need and gather them, as this can sometimes be time consuming.

You will likely want to locate: documents related to income, taxes, banking, property, investments, insurance policies, and debts. Collecting these documents will smooth the distribution of property process if and when your attorney requests them.

Consult Your Attorney

While you cannot necessarily seek a divorce in court immediately, you can still seek legal counsel. Get accurate information to your questions, learn about options you may not have considered, and find out what you can settle in the meantime. 

What Does a Divorce Hearing Look Like During COVID?

If you’re considering a divorce now, let us guide you through the process during these uncertain times. Call 703-683-9000 or click here to schedule an in-person or online appointment with one of the professionals at Grenadier, Duffett, Levi, Winkler & Rubin, P.C.