COVID-19 FAQs

 Posted on March 18, 2020 in Family Law

Q: What will happen to the court dates I have scheduled?

A: Kane, DuPage, Kendall and DeKalb Counties have all suspended non-emergency court dates through April 17, 2020. In Kane County, the judges are offering teleconferencing for previously scheduled pre-trial conferences and our office is working with our opposing counsels to move forward with those scheduled matters. The Circuit Clerk's Offices will be sending new dates for previously scheduled Case Management Conferences and status hearings. If your case was set for an extended hearing or trial, it is likely that those new dates will be scheduled after the courthouses resume regular operations. Should any circumstances change, we will be in touch with all of our clients to update you.

Q: Do I still need to follow my court ordered parenting schedule?

A: You should always follow court orders that are in place unless such orders are modified by the Court. However, during this time, it is imperative that you follow the advice of your doctor, your government officials, and the Center for Disease Control. Continue to work with your former spouse or partner to transition children between households in a safe manner. It is always best to keep children calm and stable in unfamiliar situations. If you have a specific question about your individual cases or parenting plans, please contact our office and we can answer your questions.

Q: My income is being reduced because my employer has closed temporarily or reduced hours. What should I do about my support obligations?

A: If you have experienced a reduction in income, you may be entitled to seek a reduction in your support obligations, which may include child support and spousal maintenance. A litigant may file a Petition to Modify their support obligation and can seek a reduction retroactively to the date the request was filed. Even though the courts are not scheduling new hearing dates at the present time, we are able to file pleadings electronically as needed. Each case is different, so if you have a question regarding your specific financial situation, please contact our office and we can answer your questions.

Q: Can I still reach attorneys and staff at Goostree Law Group?

A: All of our employees are available and ready to answer your questions and address your concerns during this difficult time. Although we are not conducting in-office meetings, we are available for telephone conferences and all employees have access to electronic mail. In the event that further restrictions are placed on businesses for any reason, or we change our in-office hours, we have established remote access for all of our employees to continue to serve existing and new clients during this time period.