How Will COVID-19 Delays Affect your Divorce?


The impact of COVID-19 on the Maryland Court system could delay or alter the progress of your divorce proceeding.

Across the country and in Maryland, many courts and government offices shut down as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold.  Since then, many states, like Maryland, have applied a phased approach to reopening courts for varying types of judicial matters.

For individuals or couples seeking divorce, the pandemic has delayed proceedings and in some cases, this has put more stress into already difficult custody/access disputes, made closure ever more elusive, and made the relations between parties more volatile.

As of February, 2021, the Maryland Court system is in a Phase II reopening process.  The process was established by Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera in June, 2020.

During the Phase I reopening process, courts continued to review petitions for protective orders based on domestic violence or peace order petitions.  In the current Phase II process, there are several more family court services available including many conducted remotely:

  • Uncontested family court matters, including divorce
  • Status and scheduling conferences
  • Domestic violence, extreme risk, peace protective orders and appeals
  • Emergencies involving family law that are found to require expedited review
  • Hearings on temporary restraining orders and default hearings
  • Hearings that do not require the testimony of witnesses
  • Other family court matters that can be handled without testimony and/or issues that can be handled remotely

Outside of the court system, there are alternative methods by which parents and divorcing couples can resolve issues that arise during the pandemic or in the course of their divorce.  Couples can work with a qualified mediator to resolve friction points or work on a Parenting Plan to help move their divorce process forward. A divorce attorney can carry on negotiations on behalf of their clients regardless of the court schedule.

It is important to keep in mind that local courts may enact the Phase II process through different methods depending on available personnel and technology. For to-the-minute understanding of the availability of court services in Baltimore, speak with an experienced divorce attorney.  Your lawyer can tell you if your matter can be scheduled or heard in a remote setting, and how long it could be before your meeting with the court can be scheduled.

Dedicated family law attorney helps you in Baltimore today

With offices in Stevenson, the Law Offices of Allyson B. Goldscher, LLC serves individuals and families throughout Baltimore and Baltimore County.  When you have questions about divorce, property division or child custody, contact us or call 410-602-9522. We are here to help.

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