Garrick Law Family Law Update – COVID 19

During this difficult and unprecedented time, we hope for all families to be safe and to survive the hardships that are predicted.

Covid-19 will directly impact those in differing stages or forms of relationships within their family unit. At Garrick Law we have implemented continuing business guidelines to ensure that we can offer advice and progress matters in a safe and remote manner. We are abreast of the general Government guidelines for Courts, as well as those specifically for Family Law matters.

Rest assured that Garrick Law will be able to advise you, as to how your matter can be progressed throughout this period of uncertainty.

At this time, the Family Court remains open but are now putting in place practical changes.

Official guidance issued to the Family Court today is that;

1. 1. all short cases should be heard remotely if possible i.e. by phone/ conferencing/ skype;
   2. cases that cannot be heard remotely – including cases listed for longer hearings with evidence – have to be adjourned, save for a prompt directions hearing.

It still may be possible for those hearings to be held remotely depending on technology/ the views of the parties and the court. Responsibility for making the technical and other arrangements for the hearing lies, according to the guidance, on the local authority in public law cases, the applicant if legally represented in private law cases, failing which the legally represented respondent, and in cases where the parties are all unrepresented, the court. These guidelines are being constantly reviewed and implemented for everyone’s safety.

You continue to have the protection of the Emergency Services, Social Services and the Courts should you experience issues of domestic abuse, separation from your children, the breakdown of your relationship and the ensuing financial separation of the assets and liabilities of your family.

The strain of not seeing your children or financial difficulties during a separation which are further exacerbated during this time will require special consideration in terms of the interaction of Family Law with ever changing Government guidelines as well as what can practically be achieved during this time.

Self or family isolation, as well as economic pressures can have a strain on relationships, and although, we all hope for the best, you should be reassured that your legal rights as an individual remain protected.

We wish you and your family the best with your emotional and physical health. However, should you require our assistance in relation to any family matters listed above, we at Garrick Law will be available to support you.