A divorce is never an easy process, but the COVID-19 pandemic has presented both lawyers and clients alike with an unprecedented set of circumstances. Gathering in a small room for mediation or divorce hearings is no longer a feasible option for many individuals, and the demand for divorce proceedings has been on the rise as the pandemic drags on. To better serve their clients, the courts have turned to a new way of conducting hearings. Let’s take a look.
Virtual Divorce
Much of the world has shifted online, with everything from birthday parties to corporate conferences taking place via video chatting platforms like Zoom. The legal system is no exception, with virtual hearings becoming increasingly common. This allows the divorce proceeding to move forward without necessitating that lawyers, clients, judges, and a variety of other court personnel meet in person and risk spreading the novel coronavirus.
In many parts of the country, it is now possible to be safely divorced from the comfort of your living room, avoiding the hustle and bustle of a busy courthouse. But exactly how long will virtual divorce proceedings be an option? They’ll probably stick around longer than you might think. There are a few different reasons for this.
First, conducting hearings online is easier than meeting in person. It eliminates not only the exposure to the virus in the short-term but also offers increased flexibility and convenience moving forward. Second, allowing for virtual divorce hearings allows individuals who might not have an easy way to attend a court hearing in person the opportunity to pursue legal remedies, too.
Technology
The need for virtual divorce hearings has given rise to new technological demands, with the focus largely being placed upon both a strong and reliable internet connection as well as enhanced security to ensure the privacy of all involved. As far as its actual function, the concept of video hearings is not an overly complex one. The software functions very similarly to the aforementioned Zoom, connecting legal professionals with their clients and offering everyone involved in the hearing the opportunity to present evidence and navigate the legal process just as they would in court.
You shouldn’t have to wait to file for divorce just because the pandemic is still ongoing. Luckily, you don’t have to. With the help of the experienced and technologically savvy attorneys here at Peskind Law Firm, you can move forward with your life as quickly and peacefully as possible. Reach out to us today for more information!
The Benefits of a New Age of Law
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the globe, the need to adapt to the extraordinary challenges it presents and continue with life as normally as possible has become increasingly important. There is simply no feasible way to close down vital aspects of society like the court system until the virus is eradicated. The good news is that there are options at our disposal to ensure that everyone who needs legal representation and solutions can access them. Let’s take a look at the benefits of the rise of virtual divorce hearings as well as the challenges it presents.
Convenience
The first, and perhaps most notable, advantage of virtual hearings is sheer convenience. Not only is it possible to complete the divorce process from the comfort of your own home. That means that you don’t have to visit a potentially busy and crowded location to stand in front of a courtroom for most of the day. It is also convenient for attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals who find it easier and more productive to meet with multiple clients throughout any given day virtually.
Health and Safety
Two other significant benefits of virtual divorce hearings are improved health and safety of all parties involved in the legal process. It would be incredibly risky to congregate in a relatively small area, given the quick and easy spread of COVID-19, and hosting virtual hearings makes it much easier to avoid that particular risk. The benefits are not only short-term, however. An online hearing can cut down on the risk of violence and angry conflicts during the hearing itself.
Less Secure
Virtual hearings offer multiple benefits over in-person court dates, but there are also a few drawbacks to keep in mind. One of them is that online hearings can be less secure than in-person hearings. On a practical level, keeping people out of the house during a virtual hearing can be quite tricky. The logistics of securing a home rather than a courtroom, as well as the security risk that conducting business online tends to bring, can lead to security concerns.
Are you hoping to file for divorce in Illinois? Our team at Peskind Law Firm can help. Reach out to us today for more information about virtual hearings and whether or not they’re the best option for you.
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