
Schwartz & Plante is pleased to offer the following resources during the Covid-19 pandemic:
Additionally, the lawyers at Schwartz & Plante are pleased to provide the following COVID-19 FAQ’s:
1. Are the courts open?
Yes. The courts are open. Although in person court appearances are being limited currently, the Probate and Family Court continues to be open, both accepting new filings and conducting court hearings via telephone and video-conferencing. The staff at Schwartz & Plante have been utilizing the most up to date technology to continue to e-file pleadings and conduct telephonic and video-conference hearings with Judges as necessary.
2. Can I file for divorce during COVID-19?
Yes. You can file for divorce as well as file any other matter necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we are servicing clients and filing documents, we are still doing it for both new and existing clients. If you have a need to move forward, now, with a family law matter, the lawyers at Schwartz and Plante are ready to get to work for you.
3. I’m uncomfortable meeting in person. Can I still hire your firm to represent me?
Yes. We are capable of providing entirely virtual and paperless service to our clients from the comfort of their own homes. We are able to meet via telephone, email, or video-conferencing. We are able to use email and Google documents to handle drafting and signing of papers, and we are able to take payment via the telephone, so that all of our essential services can be provided without making someone have to leave their own home.
4. Does the Governor’s Stay at Home Order cancel our court order?
Generally, No. It does not. However, many of the details of what should be happening with your children’s parenting schedules are case specific. If you have questions about what your parenting plan requires, or how to implement it during this pandemic, the lawyers at Schwartz & Plante are here to help. We can review existing court orders and offer guidance as to next steps, as well as deal with emergency matters that relate to parenting time. Additionally, Schwartz & Plante is able to work with other lawyers to negotiate and implement changes to your children’s schedule, by mutual agreement.
Worcester County Bar Association
https://www.worcestercountybar.org
Massachusetts Bar Association
https://www.massbar.org
Massachusetts Property Division Laws
http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleIII/Chapter208/
Massachusetts Department of Enforcement Division
http://www.mass.gov/dor/child-support/
Massachusetts Probate and Family Court Website
http://www.mass.gov/courts/courtsandjudges/courts/probateandfamilycourt
Massachusetts General Laws
http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws
Massachusetts Rules of Domestic Relations Procedure
http://www.lawlib.state.ma.us/source/mass/rules/dom/index.html
Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines & Explanations
http://www.mass.gov/courts/childsupport/index.html