McHenry County Courthouse Electronically Re-Opens for Family Matters

On March 18, 2020, the family law courts in McHenry County were closed except for emergency matters. On April 2, 2020, that changed. The family court judges created and sent out “Standing Orders” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Orders provide us specific instructions on how to move our family matters forward virtually.

We can now: finalize divorce, enter parenting plans, hold conferences, and have hearings. We will do everything virtually or via email. In some cases, the parties and/or their attorneys will appear via Skype, Zoom or another electronic conference method. In other cases, simply completing, signing and filing the proper Affidavits and Stipulations are needed. Our office provides remote notarization, so we will continue to abide by the social distancing rules.

We know which family mediators and counselors are still scheduling appointments and accepting new clients. So, the mandatory mediation process can move along. Although the mandatory co-parenting classes are currently postponed, you should still attempt to schedule them because there will undoubtedly be a back up once they resume. Please recall, your divorce will not be finalized until both parties complete the classes.

We here at Diamond & LeSueur, P.C. commend our McHenry County Judges for working quickly to create a new, yet fair, process for families to continue moving cases forward in the face of this pandemic. We also look forward to continuing to work with you. We are available by telephone and video conferencing for family matters and any other legal need that may arise during this pandemic.

As always, do not hesitate to contact any of our team members should you have any questions or comments. Good luck, stay healthy, and abide by the social distancing orders.