Special message from Melissa
COVID-19 INFORMATION YOU NEED
This information is to help you understand how the courts are responding to the coronavirus crisis, how that response impacts your family law case, and what you can do to avoid being in court after this is over.
We will post updates as we receive them, so keep checking this page. The crisis is changing daily and this page will change along with the response being implemented at federal, state, local and judicial levels. If you have questions or concerns about how the coronavirus crisis may impact your family law case, call our office at (248) 956-6933.
Updates FRom the state and courts
April 8, 2020
The Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court issued a Notice of how pro see (unrepresented) parties can pay their fees. To read the full Notice, click HERE
April 6, 2020
The Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court issued an Administrative Order 2020-06 that extended emergency procedures until further order of the court. To read the full Administrative Order, click HERE
April 3, 2020
The Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court released a notice regarding new procedures for the court in accepting documents from unrepresented parties. To read the full Notice, click HERE
April 2, 2020
Governor Whitmer issued an Executive Order suspending all in-person instruction for all K-12 schools in the state. To read the full Executive Order, click HERE
April 1, 2020
Michigan Supreme Court Administration Office released a FAQ on custody and parenting time during the Covid-19 outbreak. To read the full FAQ, click HERE
April 1, 2020
The Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court released a notice regarding court operations at the Detroit location following the closure due to a security guard testing positive for Covid-19. To read the full Notice, click HERE
March 30, 2020
The Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court released a notice regarding 341 meetings and telephonic appearances. To read the full Notice, click HERE
March 25, 2020
The Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court released a notice that a security officer tested positive at the Detroit location. Because of the positive result, the courthouse at Detroit has been closed until April 1, 2020. To read the full Notice, click HERE
March 23, 2020
The Sixth Circuit Court in Oakland County issued an order extending its emergency procedures amidst the Covid-19 outbreak to April 10th or further order of the court. To read the full Order, click HERE
March 23, 2020
The Michigan Supreme Court issued an order that extends deadlines in cases. To read the full Administrative Order, click HERE
March 23, 2020
Governor Whitmer issued an executive order telling Michiganders to stay home, stay safe.” This order prohibits in-person work that is not necessary to sustain or protect life. There are exceptions to the order. To read the full Executive Order, click HERE
March 20, 2020
The AAML released a statement of guidance titled “Seven Guideline for Parents Who are Divorced/Separated and Sharing Custody of Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic” To read their guide for some tips for your questions about parenting time, click HERE
March 18, 2020
The Sixth Circuit Court in Oakland County issued an order detailing how non-emergent documents are to be filed. To read the entire order, click HERE
March 18, 2020
The Michigan Supreme Court released an Administrative Order limiting access to courtrooms and other spaces to no more than 10 persons, including staff, and to practice social distancing and limit court activity to only essential functions. To read the entire order, click HERE
March 18, 2020
The Michigan Supreme Court released an Administrative Order stating that for family law matters, trial courts can only hear in-person ex parte motions “necessary for the safety and well-being of a litigant and/or children.” All other family law matters must be heard remotely (such as by video) or be adjourned until April 3, 2020. To read the entire order and the section on family law cases about emergency motions, click HERE
March 16, 2020
The Sixth Circuit Court in Oakland County issued an order detailing its emergency procedures for 30 calendar days. To read the Order, click HERE
March 16, 2020
The Michigan Supreme Court issued a statement that all parenting time orders are to be followed, unless modified by the trial court. To read the Michigan Supreme Court news release, click HERE
tips for parenting time
April 6, 2020
Melissa Pearce will host a one-hour Zoom webinar on what you need to know about your child support order during the Covid-19 pandemic and current work restrictions.
April 4, 2020
Melissa Pearce hosted an one-hour Zoom webinar on how the current Covid-19 restrictions impact parenting time. She provided information to attendees on what they need to do and know during this constantly changing situation. If you missed the webinar, you can watch it on demand,click HERE
April 2, 2020
We emailed all our clients, former clients and referral partners a link to register for an one-hour Zoom webinar with Melissa Pearce on parenting time and the impact of the Covid-19 restrictions.
March 27, 2020
Melissa Pearce is planning to host a Zoom video meeting to provide some general guidance to every parenting on what to do right now, how to help your children, and answer general questions. Check back for more information and check your emails over the weekend and early next week for how to sign up.
March 24, 2020
We posted a blog with tips on how to minimize the anxiety your children may be feeling during the coronavirus crisis. In the blog, we some tips for exercising parenting time and maintaining healthy relationships for children during the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order. To read the full blog, click HERE
March 18, 2020
We posted a blog on what you need to know about parenting time and the coronavirus crisis. In the blog, we address the common question coming in about what to do about Spring Break. To read the full blog, click HERE