Boca Raton Lawyers Remaining Available During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak has prompted federal, state, and local governments to take aggressive measures to slow the spread of infection. With the challenges arising from this unprecedented public health crisis, many people need the services of a Boca Raton family law attorney now more than ever. At The Law Office of Jessica Mishali, P.A., we have adapted our practice to meet the needs of our clients during the pandemic. In the coming months, we can provide you with information and representation related to divorce, and criminal proceedings in Florida, and discuss the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on your specific legal matter.

Our Operations and Availability

Our firm is assisting clients with family law and criminal matters, and many other issues to the fullest extent possible during the pandemic. Attorney Jessica Mishali is working tirelessly to keep cases moving and avoid unnecessary delays due to reduced court operations. We are working remotely on many matters, and have continued to appear in court in-person for domestic violence injunction and first appearance hearings in criminal court, as well as telephonically for non-essential court proceedings. To connect with new and existing clients, we are available by phone, email, and video chat or FaceTime during and outside of our regular business hours.

Coronavirus Updates Regarding Family Law Court Proceedings

In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19 through person-to-person contact, Florida courts have reduced some services and suspended most in-person proceedings. Court documents may still be filed electrically or by mail, however, and many services are available online. As the coronavirus outbreak progresses, these policies are subject to change. Our attorneys can explain in detail how your case may be impacted by the rules currently in effect at your local courthouse.

In Palm Beach County, non-essential in-person services and court proceedings are currently suspended. This order does not apply to injunctions in domestic violence and child abuse cases, nor injunctions for repeat violence, stalking, or sexual violence. Some other exceptions include essential criminal matters and petitions for the appointment of an emergency temporary guardian. However, in-person hearings for divorce cases, and non-emergency family law matters will be continued to a later date, although some proceedings may be conducted over the phone.

Broward County has posted coronavirus updates indicating that they have implemented similar policies and suspended normal operations, with the exception of critical court proceedings. Accordingly, most in-person hearings in divorce family law cases will be continued, while emergency matters, such as domestic violence injunctions, will proceed. Many family law matters handled outside of court, such as mediation, may be conducted by the parties and their lawyers by telephone or video conference.

The Miami-Dade County courts are preparing for a future rollout of virtual courtrooms, which would allow non-essential hearings to be conducted remotely. Until then, all non-emergency court hearings, trials, uncontested divorces, and case management conferences are postponed. Critical matters, such as emergency petitions for domestic violence injunctions, may continue to be heard in-person until the technology rollout.

Legal Issues Arising from the Coronavirus Pandemic

As the wide-ranging effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue to evolve, many people will be impacted by legal issues in Boca Raton and beyond. School closures, travel restrictions, and other risks may make child custody schedules impractical or impossible to follow, while unemployment may result in missed child support or alimony payments. Particularly in light of the health risks of being incarcerated during COVID-19, individuals facing criminal charges may face increased pressure to take a plea deal or appear for critical criminal proceedings by video, and/or otherwise may be subject to detention for indeterminate periods of time. For these issues and others that may arise, you can seek advice from legal counsel regarding coronavirus updates and changes to proceedings that may impact your case.

Attorneys Available to Boca Raton Residents During the Coronavirus Outbreak

At The Law Office of Jessica Mishali, P.A., we understand what a stressful and difficult time this is for everyone, and we encourage you to take all necessary steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy. Reach out to our lawyers at any time if there is a legal matter that we can help with, and we can assist you either remotely, or if needed, in-person and in accordance with social distancing guidelines. In addition to Boca Raton, we can serve individuals located throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, including Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Royal Palm Beach, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, Coral Springs, Hollywood, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Hallandale Beach, Jensen Beach, Pompano Beach, Wellington, Delray Beach, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Plantation, Stuart, and Palm City. Schedule your initial consultation by calling (561) 833-2772 or contacting us online.