I’m attorney Keith Spencer, speaking to you from home as we all seek to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Many of you have questions regarding the status of Court proceedings during this quarantine. In a word, most have been delayed.
The Texas Supreme Court has issued directives limiting in person hearings and service of process until at least May 18th and in most cases until June 1st. The reasoning behind this is to prevent litigants, court staff, and juries from having to break quarantine to attend court hearings. Many time deadlines for filings have been suspended as well. Most court ordered social studies and family interviews are postponed at this time to accommodate social distancing requirements.
The courts are still open and dealing with urgently time sensitive cases using Zoom meetings, telephone hearings, and other means to address emergency matters.
The courts have also issued instructions that child visitation schedules are NOT being suspended during this outbreak. Follow the same visitation schedules for parents and children regardless of whether the child’s school is in session or not.
Attorneys are generally maintaining social distancing and working from home and minimizing the number of staff physically in the office for the time being. However, most have forwarded their telephones so that clients, judges, and other attorneys may still reach them. Our office has set up video links allowing our clients to have face to face consultation with their attorney with ease from the comfort and safety of your home.
Simply call your attorney and ask for a video appointment. There is no need to download any special apps for this service. Just a click on your phone or computer and you can video chat with your attorneys.
At Bailey and Galyen, we are here for you and together we will weather this storm and continue solving your legal puzzle.
