COVID-19 FAQs
Can I get divorced during the pandemic?
Yes, it is possible! Courts are operating remotely, including doing prove-ups under a special protocol via Zoom. Further, The Law Office Of Erin M. Wilson LLC is working remotely to serve all our clients with the same diligence as if we were working in person! This includes negotiating and resolving contested and uncontested divorce cases.
Does my parenting time change because of COVID-19?
It is not likely! Under Governor Pritzker’s General Order issued on March 21, 2020, individuals still need to comply with the court ordered parenting agreement in place for your family. Keep in mind that travel required by a court order pursuant to a custody agreement is one of the exceptions to the stay at home order and parenting orders are expected to be followed. The Domestic Relations Division of Cook County in General Order 2020 D 8 also stated that under a court ordered parenting time schedule the regular parenting time schedule should control in all instances. If you have reason to believe that your co parent is not following the stay at home order or is at-risk, parenting agreements are able to be modified with the parties agreement or with a court order.
If you have concerns about your current parenting agreement due to COVID-19, openly communicate that with your co-parent and attempt to come to a temporary agreement. If your parenting time is being restricted, inform your co parent of your rights to your parenting time as an exception to the stay at home order. The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson has dealt with these cases and is a good resource for you to come to if you feel as if your parenting time is being unreasonably restricted during this time.
What do I do about third parties?
The presence of third parties can complicate parenting time during COVID-19. Both parents should be taking social distancing seriously, including who they surround themselves with. During this chaotic time, third parties may be essential to allowing your family to function and their presence may be necessary. As long as all individuals are making health and safety a top priority, the involvement of third parties may be okay. If your co-parent has a significant other – live-in or otherwise it is acceptable to make sure all parties involved are practicing social distancing if they are in contact with your children.
The best way to approach this issue is to have an open, honest conversation with your co parent, to the best of your ability. Talk to your co parent about your safety concerns and the proper steps they should be taking in order to protect the health of your child. The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson can answer questions you may have regarding third parties and your rights in having them present or keeping them away.
What mobile apps are beneficial for me to use for co-parenting through quarantine?
Mobile apps are vital for communications these days while we all have to stay at home and practice social distancing. Some of you may not be able to even see your children due to your occupation, health status, or other concerns. Apps such as FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom all are great tools to be able to continue exercising your parenting time even though you may not be able to see your children physically. While we understand you would love to see your children in person, there are still ways to bond and spend quality time with them remotely.
There are also apps to help effectively communicate with your co-parent, such as Our Family Wizard and Talking Parents. To learn more on these apps, read our firm’s blog post here. Many people are stressed and anxious more than usual right now due to the quarantine, and this can take a toll on your communications with your co-parent. These apps are tools to effectively converse with your co-parent, especially in these difficult times. If you are having communication issues with your co-parent, check out our firm’s blog post linked above or contact The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson LLC for any further questions or concerns.
Due to the Pandemic, my income has changed. Can I modify support?
Perhaps - but you can certainly try. We encourage you to file your Petition to Modify right away, even the Court is not able to rule on the issue immediately, because the relief can only date back to the date of filing. If your income has changed due to the pandemic, you can petition for temporary modifications to support. Courts are conducting remote hearings on some matters, so the filing may be ruled upon in short order. However, while we know this is a difficult situation for you, we encourage you to also be mindful of your ex-spouse, as this is a challenging time for everyone. The Law Office Of Erin M. Wilson LLC is here to address all issues of support, as we attempt to amicably resolve the issue and litigate if necessary for all parties’ involved.
Can I be reimbursed for expenses now that my child is home from college?
Possibly! Some agreements call for a party to pay for college expenses such as housing, food, books, and tuition. Due to coronavirus, most colleges have shut down their campus requiring children to live and study from home. If your co-parent was responsible for contributing to college expenses, and your child is residing with you now, you may be able to ask for contribution to your increased household expenses. CVOID-19 and the restrictions from it may be around until the fall and this issue of contribution will not go away until colleges resume as normal. The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson is here to assist you in any questions regarding college expenses and can help you receive the payment you need as a result of these unexpected expenses.
What should I do if myself or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence in the home during quarantine?
Per the Amended Administrative Orders 2020 DV 05, 2020 DV 06, and 2020 DV 14 entered April 10, 2020, emergency hearings for orders of protection ARE being heard remotely in Cook County. This means attorneys are able to prepare the necessary paperwork for filing a Petition for Order of Protection and can email the documents to the Domestic Violence Courthouse to file and have the matter heard remotely. The process will continue the same way as it would in person, the hearings are just all heard electronically and remotely. The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson LLC has experience with domestic violence in relationships and understands the complexity of these dynamics may get worse during quarantine. Please contact our office if abuse is occurring in your relationship and we can navigate the legal system to get you the protection you need. Note: if you are in need of emergency assistance, please contact 911.
NOTICE: This blog is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as providing legal advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding this blog post.