2020 has been an interesting year so far, to say the least. We are living through pandemic and we are all in the same boat – sailing through some uncharted territory.
Considering that family courts are still very slow to react to anything other than absolute emergencies as far as litigations and hearings and considering that there is a significant back log of the cases caused by the freeze of the deadlines pursuant to the Judicial Emergency Orders, it is now a prime time to resolve cases by mediation and arbitration. As Albert Einstein said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”.
Our firm has enjoyed a tremendous success during COVID 19 time with finalizing cases via channels of alternative dispute resolution including mediation and arbitration. The realization that the case cannot be heard for some time by a judge and the issues could not be cured via litigation for months is giving additional incentives to the parties to reach efficient and successful settlement. If you add to that equation the force to settle that comes from arbitrators and mediators with extensive special training and years of experience and the flexibility that virtual mediations and arbitrations bring to the table, that moves the chances to successfully resolve family law cases to a maximum.
Further, clients with health limitations and clients of a certain age group can effectively be involved in mediation and arbitrations from the safety of their homes via Zoom, JigSaw, Webex and other videoconference means without compromising their health and the health of their family members and without having to worry about childcare during pandemic.
Uncontested matters and cases where settlements were arbitrated or mediated are actually moving now at a faster pace than during pre-COVID era, as courts’ personnel and the judges have fewer hearings and therefore less time on the bench and more time in chambers to facilitate finalizing cases. This sounds almost counterintuitive, but such is a fact of our new reality.
We, at The Manely Firm, have already taken all possible precautions to make sure we can continue serve our clients safely and efficiently during these challenging times. All our personnel completed Business Infection Prevention Course and received certifications and we are actively monitoring and complying with CDC guidelines. The vast majority of the communication with the clients is conducted remotely and we strive to have all of our cases paperless.
Our firm specializes in all family related matters including divorces, custody and child support modifications, legitimations, and other issues involving international child support and Hague convention cases. Please allow us help you to resolve your case safely and efficiently and turn your difficulty into opportunity for you and your family.
Dina Khismatulina