Can I Still Get a Divorce in Kane County During COVID-19?

 Posted on August 07, 2020 in Divorce

If you have spent any time on social media over the last few months, you have undoubtedly seen your friends and loved ones expressing their displeasure over the challenges that 2020 has presented. Among the most stressful of these challenges are those that are linked to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. As the COVID-19 pandemic made its way across the country, entire cities and states shut down large portions of their infrastructure starting in March. Now that we are in August, things are slowly beginning to open up again—albeit amidst fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections.

Over the last few months, many couples and families have spent a great deal of time in close quarters with one another. For some families, the time together has proven to be a blessing. For others, it has felt like a curse. If you are among the latter group—or if a divorce was already a possibility for you before the COVID-19 lockdown—you may be wondering if you can still file for divorce during these unpredictable times. Presuming you intend to file your divorce petition in Kane County, there are ways for you to get a divorce even as the COVID-19 crisis continues.

Kane County Courthouses Are Open

The first thing you need to know about getting a divorce in Kane County is that the Kane County court system is officially open for business. On June 1, 2020, all of the county’s courthouses reopened to provide limited services, which includes family law cases. This means that judges, clerks, and other courthouse personnel have been back at work for over two months and cases that were already in process are now moving once again.

Courthouse and county officials recognize the unique circumstances we are currently experiencing, and they have set up several avenues for those looking to get a divorce. In most cases, the petition for a divorce can be filed electronically by your attorney. As your case gets underway, the court will largely rely on the online meeting platform Zoom for hearings and meetings. The county even provides Zoom access points and Wi-Fi internet access free of charge for those who need them to attend court hearings.

In some situations, however, you may be ordered to appear in person. If you are required to appear, the Kane County court system has set up various protocols for your safety and the safety of those around you. Masks are required for anyone entering the courthouse, and only individuals who have been ordered to appear will be allowed in the building. You may even be asked to wait in your car if the number of people inside the courthouse exceeds certain limits.

Trials Will Soon Be Resuming

With the procedures that are now in place, it is possible for you to complete your divorce despite the ongoing pandemic. The only exception is if your case requires a trial. All bench and jury trials in Kane County were suspended through August 3, 2020. The most recently available information indicates that trials are now being scheduled (or rescheduled), but delays could be significant due to the several-month backlog of cases. If your case was already pending, your attorney will have the most up-to-date information about its progress and when you can expect your trial to be scheduled.

Call a St. Charles Divorce Lawyer for Help

If you are thinking about pursuing a divorce, it is important to seek guidance from a legal professional with the experience to help you streamline the process, especially in these turbulent times. Contact a skilled Kane County divorce attorney at the Goostree Law Group to get started today. Call 630-584-4800 for your free initial consultation.

Sources:

https://patch.com/illinois/geneva/kane-county-courts-reopen-monday-limited-basis

https://www.illinois16thjudicialcircuit.org/Pages/General-info-coronavirus.aspx

https://www.illinois16thjudicialcircuit.org/Pages/Info-case-type-coronavirus.aspx