Options for Seeking Divorce During COVID-19
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has created a number of problems for people across the United States, including unique challenges for people who are either seeking a divorce or the modification of an Oklahoma divorce court order. Many people find themselves unsure about what they are allowed to do during this pandemic, including whether a divorce can go to trial or family law orders can be changed. Others who have already gone through a divorce are wondering what the rules are regarding visitation hours and child custody exchanges. If you have any questions, feel free to seek advice from an Oklahoma Divorce Lawyer.
Can I Still File a Family Law Case During COVID-19?
One of the most common questions is whether new family law cases can be filed with the court. This could be a divorce, modification to a family law court order or any other family legal issues that have to be settled in court. The answer is that most Oklahoma divorce cases during the coronavirus are being postponed by courts.
Pleadings are one of the few legal decisions being handled by family courts right now since pleadings simply involve approving decisions sent to them by divorce-seeking couples. However, emergency family law cases are being accepted. The question is what counts as an emergency family law case.
One example of an emergency family law case is any case that involves abuse. This could mean physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, and protection order cases. All of these situations are considered high priorities by the family court and usually take precedence over COVID-19 concerns. Other emergency family law cases are up to debate.
Emergency cases are generally considered to be anything that places someone’s life, safety, or health at risk. Talking with an experienced family lawyer might be able to help you figure out what your legal options are in this situation.
How COVID-19 Might Affect Divorced Parents in Oklahoma
Many divorced parents are wondering what they are allowed to do when it comes to COVID-19 and Oklahoma child custody rights. What is being said so far is that child custody parental rights should not be revoked because of the coronavirus. Some states and judges have recommended that parents exchange their children in places where there are no crowds of people and to do video-calls instead of in-person visitation when one parent has the virus.
In general, many people are saying that Oklahoma’s visitation rights cannot be denied because of the coronavirus since there are alternatives like video-calls through Skype, Zoom, and other video-call applications. Using the coronavirus as a way to change child custody or visitation orders is not considered enough justification in some family courts. Talking with a lawyer can help you figure out your legal situation.
Divorce Attorney in Oklahoma
Figuring out what you can do in terms of divorce or child custody rights can be difficult during the uncertain time of COVID-19. With everyone giving you different answers, working with an Oklahoma Family Attorney can help you navigate through your options. Contact the Putnam Law Office at (405)-849-9149 for a consultation today. Mr. Putnam is an Oklahoma City, OK attorney who is dedicated to his clients.
