- Tyler L. Merrill
Seattle Divorce - COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has forced all aspects of society to make changes, however, filing for divorce is still possible. The process in King County is different, and aspects of the Court are limited. For example, King County Superior Court has limited Family Law Motions to emergency motions only. Emergency matters are defined as:
Domestic Violence Protection Order hearings
Motions for temporary restraining orders where personal safety is at issue
Motions necessary to protect a child from physical or serious emotional harm or to prevent child abduction
Motions and child support trials by affidavit where a person’s basic financial survival is at issue (i.e., ability to maintain housing, basic necessities, and critical health care) or post-secondary (college) support is at issue and there are deadlines that cannot be moved
Return on Warrant hearings
Petitions for Writs of Habeas Corpus and returns where there is a risk of abduction or an imminent risk of harm to the child
Weapons Surrender Compliance Calendar
Emergency motions on parenting issues where the health or safety of a child or adult is at risk due to COVID-19
Emancipation proceedings where the petitioner would be at risk of physical or serious emotional harm if the petition is not considered
Motions to Decide Parentage in surrogacy cases where a child has been born or birth is anticipated to occur in the next 30 days
While the process to file for divorce may be the same, the procedure and timeline may be different. As always, but more so now, speaking with an attorney may be beneficial to help you with the process.
Disclaimer: This Blog/Web Site is made available by Law Office of Tyler L. Merrill for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Law Office of Tyler L. Merrill. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. Consult with an attorney before you rely on this information.