Family Law Services Alert: New Jersey Supreme Court Issues Updated Guidance Regarding Remote Proceedings in Trial Courts During COVID-19 Pandemic

April 22, 2020 – On April 20, 2020, the Supreme Court issued another order addressing the widespread impacts of COVID-19 on the judicial system. In this order, the Court made it clear that all family law proceedings (including trials and evidentiary hearings) should proceed as scheduled via video and/or teleconferencing. As noted in the announcement to the public, the order “reinforces that most court events that can be conducted using video or phone options will proceed, even over the objection of an attorney or party.” That being said, the Supreme Court confirmed that sentencing hearings in family matters, juvenile delinquency adjudications, termination of parental rights trials, and hearings for an adjudication of incapacity and appointment of a permanent guardian should not proceed remotely if either party objects to the remote proceeding. This order supports the “continuity of routine as well as emergent court functions during the COVID-19 crisis.” If you or a family member have an issue that requires judicial assistance, you should contact an attorney at Brach Eichler LLC as we remain ready, willing, and able to assist you in all of your family law matters. Brach Eichler has mobilized a full-service electronic platform, which enables us to proceed in any manner necessary electronically. A copy of the Court’s Notice and Order can be read here.

If you have any questions about this alert or any other Family Law Services issue, please contact:

Carl J. Soranno, Member and Chair, Family Law Services, at 973-403-3127 or csoranno@bracheichler.com

Sean A. Smith, Counsel, Family Law Services, at 973-364-5216 or ssmith@bracheichler.com