Are the courts closed?

[JustOneLastThing]

Applied for decree nisi today, but are the courts closed completely now?

No, not just yet. Processing applications may be slower due to staffing levels and where possible family hearings will be conducted without the physical attendance of the parties e.g. by phone.
Impossible to say whether the divorce centre and courts will process the application as usual or slower or when hearings will be listed if required.

I applied for Nisi yesterday and got email today to say hearing would be on 20th April

Caveat: I’m not an expert but I was talking to a civil servant earlier today. There’s also a problem due to verification of signatures which I think can only happen in person. This will hold up divorces & conveyancing.

Thank you for the info. I guess there's an element of 'wait and see' about everything right now.

Yes, there seem to be delays - my lawyer was applying for my absolute and for some reason couldn't do it online, so I have been waiting over a week and still nothing. Up until then everything moved really swiftly and now we seem to be stuck at the final hurdle.

I applied for my absolute a month ago - I've heard nothing

exchanged form Es today - due in court in four weeks for First Appointment. I guess all is on hold with the family courts now? BJ's statement tonight gives no clues.

I have a final hearing in 2.5weeks and from what I’ve heard all cases in the next fortnight have been cancelled and will be rebooked with DJ. This is to allow the court to implement web arrangements so that cases can be heard via Skype. As the majority of magistrates fall into higher risk category there could be delays or last minute cancellations hence the DJ route.

Hearing date for the 30th April for the decree nisi-hoping it goes ahead.

Decree nisi hearing is due tomorrow, has anyone been delayed with these hearings or are they still going ahead?

I had consent order through as heard in private on 9 April. Nisi was pre lockdown. Waiting for absolute

I have applied for Absolute on 30th March and heard nothing, so I assumed COViD related delays. I have then chased last week - turns out the DA was granted the same day I applied but they didn't send it for some reason...

Anyone experienced a hearing by phone? My directions hearing is now next week by phone. I'm not sure how this can work. It's not a video call. I'm assuming I will just listen and let my solicitor do his thing! Any thoughts appreciated!

we were due are first appt by phone - we agreed to vacate it and swap questionnaires instead as we wouldn't have been able to agree much without them. Saved on representation and will move to second part of the process (FDR?) when the courts are up and running again. Very glad as I just don't see how this would have worked down the phone - you and yours and he and his solicitors are supposed to be negotiating before and after seeing the judge. How would this be possible? I feel it is a disadvantage and if you can postpone? Pandemic or not this is you financial future we are talking about. x

*our first appt (obv)