COVID-19 Update

We are open and handling cases in compliance with the Governor’s mandate and the operational requirements of the courts. We are conducting new client consultations by phone call or video conference.

Courts throughout Washington are addressing upcoming hearings in different ways. Please contact your county clerks office or you attorney for the most up-to-date information on how to handle your case and upcoming hearings.  If you have an attorney, make sure you are aware of how they are interacting with clients and their current procedures to transferring required documents.

Filing for Divorce:

• ALL counties are accepting filings to initiate new cases; however, they are not all hearing motions on the normal timelines. Every county allows you to file the motion, but the date the court will hear the matter differs between counties. 
• Thurston County no longer has a date hearings may resume, but they are NOT hearing very non-emergent matters such as motions for default, motions to compel discovery, and contempt.
• Emergent matters (issues pertaining to domestic violence, neglect, health and well being of children) are being heard daily. 

If you already have an open case:

• Some counties are allowing and requiring in-person appearances. The general trend is still to appear remotely.
• Not ALL settlement conferences, hearings, and trials are being rescheduled. Those that overlap with the COVID-19 closure certainly have, but each case will be different depending on when these types of matters were originally scheduled.

Law Firms:

• Most law firms are still operating on a virtual basis
• Attorneys are primarily using telephone and video to communicate with clients

Serving Papers:

• Businesses for service are open using new procedures to protect themselves and those being served

We have received a lot of phone calls and emails about how the current situation is impacting divorce cases and filings, custody agreements, restraining orders, and upcoming hearings.  For the most up-to-date information, contact your attorney or county clerk’s office.

During these difficult times Morris-Sockle is still working to protect the rights of every client. Though the manner in which the courts are handling cases has changed, they are still operational. We are committed to continuing to provide the quality service that our clients deserve throughout this time period.

Morris-Sockle knows that this doesn’t change the fact that new clients will need representation for their cases. We are prepared to handle new client cases and have platforms to conduct consultations either by video or telephone conference.

We appreciate your understanding as we will not be seeing any clients in-person to protect our staff and you. Morris-Sockle is able to be fully functional during these times using digital means to satisfy the requirements of the courts, and most importantly, providing you the quality legal services you expect.