May 6th – Coronavirus (Covid-19) Dallas & Tarrant County Update

When will the courts open to finalize my divorce? I am waiting to file for custody for courts to open, when will they? 

Throughout the last few months, many questions surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been asked. Many involving how will your case proceed forward with the courts closed.

The Texas Judicial Branch has officially released the guidelines for how Texas will reopen our court system starting in June. 

Read the entire letter issued by the Texas Judicial Branch below. Here are the highlights you need to know:

•  The court is advised to conduct when possible cases remotely.
• Jury trials are still on pause with further instructions to follow.
• The courthouse will follow the guideline from the CDC & WHO, requiring social distancing, hand sanitizer in around the courthouse, screening for temperature before entering the courthouse, face coverings, and frequent cleaning of the building.

We recommend that if you are waiting for court before filing your motion, don’t wait any longer.

For a divorce, deferring to file may only prolong your staying married, as you must wait at least 60 days from the date you file for the divorce to even have an opportunity to finalize your case.

For a custody case, there are many steps between now and the court that you will need to complete. 

Many other people are waiting for courts to open, and that means there will be an influx of cases that will need heard pushing each case back further. Filing now can help put your case in line now. 

Finally, there are ways to resolve a family matter outside of the court with your lawyer and a mediator.