Moving forward with a Divorce when the World is paused

Schools, offices, restaurants, churches and many businesses have been shut down until plans are made to complete open up the economy.  There is no disputing that all of our lives have been turned upside-down having parents help kids with homework online, conducting meetings via ZOOM and other resources, and even attending a church service from the comfort of your living room couch.

In the midst of the COVID crisis, what are divorcing couples — and would-be divorcing couples — supposed to do now? What are the options for moving forward when the world is paused?

The Courts, attorneys and mediators are adapting their practices to accommodate clients and the public, to help those move forward, even when movement is restricted.  Today, mediation can do what traditional litigation cannot. Not only is mediation more nimble, safer, but many mediators are set up to do video conferencing where parties can mediate from the safety and comfort of their own homes. Online mediation can provide one of the only immediate interventions for families in marital crisis.

There are several advantages of online mediation where you will be able to:

• 1.       Support social distancing while working through and finalizing your divorce.
• 2.       Receive real-time problem solving and relief for to avoid living in conflict.
• 3.       Address current, novel issues families are facing, including working from home; sheltering in place; extended sharing of one home; sharing parenting time and responsibilities; and have a mediator communicate with the children about what is going on.
• 4.       Have the ability to move forward even while so much seems suspended
• 5.       Online mediation, though a different animal, has some benefits that in-person mediation does not. The two main issues are dealing with technology and mediating from your own home.

The divorce process is difficult enough as it is; however, with today’s technology you will be able to still move forward if this is the best course of action for you.  Having an attorney with the resources and knowledge to give you the best representation is vital to your interest and the interest of your family.  You also want to make sure they will exhaust all avenues and be willing to research, pursue and implement strategies to provide the best possible outcome.

Rob McAngus, Partner with Verner Brumley Parker, P.C., is Board Certified in family Law and his practice is devoted primarily to family law, including high conflict divorce, custody cases, and complex property issues. In addition to being selected on the Board of Directors for the Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association; he values your priorities as a parent and works with you to achieve the goals that will help transition your family to a new normal.  As both an adopted child and a member of a blended family, Rob can provide a unique perspective in the practice of family law.

Rob has been recognized in Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2016 through 2020, and recently The National Advocates recognized Rob as one of the Top 40 Under 40.  He can be reached by calling 214.526.5234 or email at rmcangus@vernerbrumley.com.  Mr. McAngus received his bachelor’s degree cum laude and master’s degree from Baylor University and graduated cum laude from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University.