The coronavirus pandemic is putting a lot of pressure on everybody, including families that are spending substantially more time than usual with each other. Stuck together 24/7 for weeks on end, even spouses in rock-solid marriages are feeling some marital pressure. You may love your spouse, but that doesn’t mean you want to interact with them all-day, every day. For most couples, marital counseling can be enough to help them get through this period. If counseling is not effective, you still have the same legal rights to separation and divorce as you normally would; however, because of court closures, divorces are not proceeding as normal until the courts resume their regular operations.
Remote Counseling
If the pandemic is causing extra strain on your relationship, just be aware that many other couples are experiencing the same thing. Many couples – even those who would not consider their relationship issues very serious problems – benefit from marital counseling. If you have not yet tried marital counseling, this is a good time to do so. A marital counseling session in which you can voice your feelings and get feedback from the counselor can be helpful. Many marital counselors are conducting remote counseling sessions to help people during this difficult time.
Legal Rights and Access to Courts
Texas courts are largely closed due to the pandemic. While it may be possible to file divorce papers in your local court to initiate the process, no divorce proceeding will be conducted unless it is submitted as an agreed order, until the courts get back to normal. Practically, a divorce can be filed now in order to start the 60-day minimum waiting period, but will only be able to proceed and be finalized if the couple is willing to try alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or collaborative divorce.
It is important to note that Texas courts are still open to handle emergencies. If you or other family members are in danger because of domestic violence or abuse, know that the police and the court system are still functioning to protect you.
If you would like to discuss your legal options with a qualified family law attorney, Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices offers free consultations remotely, via telephone or video conferencing, during this pandemic.
For More Information About Divorce, Contact an Experienced Dallas Family Law Attorney.
To schedule a free initial consultation with a Dallas Family Law Attorney, contact Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices at 214-420-1800.
Paula Lock Smyth has practiced law in Texas since 1985, focusing on Family Law, Probate, Mediation, and Collaborative Divorce. She is a trained mediator, seasoned litigator, and one of the early adopters of Collaborative Divorce in Texas. Paula is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the College of the State Bar and the Texas Bar Foundation and has served as Past President of Dallas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. She was a Master in the Annette Stewart Inn of Court and is a Charter Member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas. Her legal knowledge and decades of experience make her a trusted voice on matters that impact families across Dallas and surrounding counties.