Family Court Open in Burlington County

Late last week the Supreme Court of NJ issued new orders about Court Operations.  To a large extent, individual counties are still permitted to set their own guidelines but they did relax certain Court Rules regarding deadlines and restricted access to the Superior Courts across the state.  Burlington County Courts will still operate albeit a little differently.

The important thing to note, however, is that the Courts in Burlington County (and all other counties with limited temporary exceptions) remain open and functioning.  With specific emphasis on Family Court, here is what is happening:

1. Divorces continue, although MESP’s scheduled between March 16 and April 10 are being postponed.  They will be rescheduled automatically by the Court.  MESP’s after April 10 will proceed without in-person appearances and will be conducted over the phone or via video conference.  It will be up to the panelists to decide how best to manage the conference.
2. DCPP Matters and other child abuse and neglect cases continue without interruption, including trials.  The proceedings will be held by telephone or video conference for the time being, and the logistics are being worked out, but
3. Domestic Violence Restraining Orders are still being heard and processed. Courts prefer that parties go through local police, but they will accept walk-ins at the Courthouse for the time being.
4. Motions are being delayed, but they are still being scheduled and argued by telephone.  They may be delayed, but they are being accepted for filing and scheduled for hearing.
5. Divorce Complaints are being accepted for filing and are being processed, albeit slowly.  Judges are still processing orders.

Drew Molotsky, Esq. is a shareholder and partner at ALBFR&M based in Haddonfield, New Jersey. Drew focuses his practices on all aspects of divorce and family law and represents clients in Burlington County and throughout New Jersey.