Recent COVID 19 Posts

To say that people are dealing with stress and anxiety as a result of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic is an understatement.  With a shelter in place order in effect, couples have suddenly found themselves confined to their homes and spending a lot more time together.  It’s easy to see why many couples are feeling the strain and while many couples will make it through, others may be considering divorce.  Divorce is not an easy decision to make, but if you’ve made that decision, you’re not alone.  So, now what?  You’ve determined that you’re not able to salvage your relationship and are ready for the next step.  But what IS the nex…

For those wondering whether you’re able to deny child custody or visitation arrangements during the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic, this one’s for you.  Child custody and visitation exchanges are exempt from the Governor of Virginia’s stay-at-home order. While school is out, working together to create a predictable and concrete schedule for custody and visitation can reduce stress and bring both parents and children comfort.  However, practicing common sense during these exchanges is key while the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic is ongoing.  Before the child returns, ask everyone in the house to do a symptom check.  Let the ch…

Due to the Governor of Virginia’s stay-at-home order, many are forced to cohabit with a significant other who may be physically, verbally, or emotionally abusive towards them.  Times of personal and financial strain historically exacerbate instances of abuse, and victims of domestic violence are at increased risk now more than ever.  Given the pandemic, Courts have closed for general business purposes and resources have become more difficult to obtain.  However, emergency court proceedings, such as protective order hearings, are still permitted under both the COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus) travel restrictions and declaration of a judicia…

As you know, not only has the Governor of Virginia issued Stay-at-Home Orders, but the Supreme Court has also declared a Judicial Emergency during the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic.  If you would like to read the most recent Notice from the Supreme Court of Virginia, it can be found here. Given that the Court handles so many different matters, we wanted to explain what the declaration of Judicial Emergency means for our current and potential new clients. Generally speaking, the Courts are not hearing any civil matters, except for emergency matters.  Divorce, child custody and visitation matters and support matters all fall under th…

As COVID-19 has compelled government leaders to issue stay-at-home orders and lockdown policies, domestic violence incidents are increasing around the world.  Many people are forced into seclusion with an abusive significant other and deprived of significant resources and assistance that would be otherwise available.  Protecting yourself and your family has become much more dangerous and complex. If you or a family member is in immediate danger, call 911.  The police can assist with obtaining an Emergency Protective Order (EPO).  An EPO lasts for forty-eight (48) hours, providing a victim of domestic violence the chance to seek a longer pr…

As we all know, on March 30, 2020 the Governor of Virginia issued a statewide Temporary Stay at Home Order due to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The order directs all Virginians to stay home except in extremely limited circumstances. One of those circumstances is for the purpose of traveling required by court order or to facilitate child custody, visitation, or child care.  We understand that stress and anxiety levels are increased due to the COVID19 pandemic, however, we urge our clients not to let that translate into interference and/or withholding of custody or visitation.  If you believe that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or hav…

These are stressful times for all of us. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) notes that infectious disease outbreaks, such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), create significant distress for the public as well as strain health care systems tasked with caring for affected individuals and containing the disease. We are all in the midst of it, and we can all feel it. To help us deal with the stress, the APA recommends that we: Stay informed. Obtain current information about the outbreak from trusted sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention atwww.cdc.gov and the World Health Organization at www.who.int. Educate….