Monday, April 13, 2020

Courts are Closed: Consider Mediation

Consider Mediation, Conciliation or Collaborative representation as an alternative to filing in court and as a way of continuing your case without further delay.  Due to the Corona Virus (COVID-19), courts are presently closed until at least May 4, 2020, except for absolute emergencies. There is a good likelihood that even if the courts open in May, there will be significant delays in cases getting heard as courts deal with the backlog and ongoing delays due to COVID-19.  Even more than ever, mediation, conciliation and collaborative divorce offers an efficient and cost-effective alternative to the litigation process.

Since March I have been conducting mediations via Zoom and in some cases via telephone.  My experience thus far has been universally positive. I believe the same can be said for my clients.  I certainly miss the human connection. However, given the alternatives, I have found Zoom mediations and meetings via Zoom to be efficient and technologically very easy. I have not had any problems with security or “Zoom Bombing.” One of the advantages for instance is the ability to share documents and work on documents together in real time.   Conducting mediations via Zoom will allow you to move your cases forward from the privacy of your own home ( or as I have seen in some cases, your attic, basement or even car) so that when courts are open, your divorce can be ready to be filed.  Feel free to reach out to me if you have questions or want to know more.