SF_Archer_Profile_1020_Profile 11 / 2 / 20 11 : 58 AM Page 1 profile back to “ normal . ” Also , there needs to be flexi - Resolving Parenting bility in how parents deal with concerns ; people need to be cooperative and reasonable . We work on finding that balance because it’s Conflicts During COVID important to get a schedule that works for par - ents and the children . When the world is upside down , Archer’s dedicated How can parents ensure their children’s risks are matrimonial and family law department is ready to minimal when they are with the other parent ? help parents navigate the issues they face . by LIZ HUNTER We try to get people to look at what’s going on in each family and what could be the result . Anything is possible and the worst situation is if manage the parenting disrup - a child became very sick because a parent was tions created by the pandemic . careless . Even if such chances are low , parents As mediators , they work with need to address this concern in a practical way . parents who need a neutral We want to reframe the way people view a party to listen to their con - problem and then resolve it . It’s one thing to go flicting concerns and objec - to an outdoor dining establishment , but it’s tively devise a path of resolu - another to attend a crowded event in a confined tion on issues such as : What indoor space . Alternatively , if you have one is the best plan for the school parent who is a front - line worker at a hospital or year ? Should the children’s nursing home , protocols can be developed to do extracurricular activities con - what’s best for the kids . In fact , health care tinue ? Do alternative childcare workers are more informed and well - trained to arrangements need to be protect themselves and their loved ones . Others made ? Can a parent travel and may need to understand this information and take the children on vacation ? realize there are good choices . Lihotz states , “ Our ADR group offers flexible services to meet While sheltering in place , some couples may parents ’ needs , including uti - have decided to hold off on a formal divorce until lizing adjusted rates for short - things return to normal . What should they be term requests to ‘ just make doing in the meantime ? a call on an issue ’ or accepting It’s important to get educated and I think the best longer assignments to un - tangle more compli - investment is to schedule an initial consultation OVID - 19 IMPACTS US ALL . Today , fam - cated disagreements . We work to achieve a plan with an attorney who understands the parameters ilies struggle to keep each other and their of cooperative planning so parents can face crises of what each party needs to know and what needs children safe , while also adjusting to C together — not in conflict . ” to be done once the party moves forward with a modified work conditions and other commit - “ The family law experience of our ADR Group divorce . We often see one party in a divorce does ments . Parents embroiled in separation and is unsurpassed , ” adds Thompson . “ Not only do not have necessary information . When that hap - divorce face greater problems when they cannot we have years of matrimonial litigation experi - pens , it takes great time and money to gather it . If agree on a plan to address their children’s ence , gaining insight to various Family Part judges you consult with an experienced attorney , you can needs . Unfortunately , the courts are plagued sitting in almost every county in the state , but also make a reasoned decision about when to file with unprecedented backlogs , reported to be as we handle hundreds of mediations and arbitra - because timing pertains to asset distributions high as 150 percent above last year’s caseload . tions , successfully and efficiently concluding and other significant issues affecting a party’s Significant delay occurs in securing court deter - these family disputes . We are prepared to aid the interest in the future . minations , which parties believe require imme - families to adjust their expectations and meet the diate attention . Fortunately , parents have a emergencies of today , while accepting that these Why should parents consider mediation ? choice and can resolve the stresses created by solutions will be reformed tomorrow , once the If there’s a disagreement between parents , the fears of illness and mandates to shelter in place crisis ends . ” options are either hire a mediator to resolve the that disrupt what was a previously stable par - Suburban Family spoke with Lihotz about dilemma or file an application with the court . enting arrangement without the necessity of some of the concerns families have and what con - However , courts are limited in what they are expensive and time - consuming litigation . siderations they should make for a resolution . doing — I believe they just started handling The attorneys in Archer’s Haddonfield approximately 15 percent of the caseload . Also , Matrimonial and Family Law Department are What if divorced parents disagree on the plan for the cost and expense of litigating tends to be uniquely positioned to handle the matters per - the school year and potentially caring for the greater , even with virtual hearings . Using an alter - taining to divorce , and especially now when so children while learning remotely ? native dispute resolution process is very flexible . many cases are delayed and stress is running The issue of school attendance has been trou - Parties can define what they want done and how high , this mediation - friendly department offers blesome for many families , in part because they want it done . You can decide to spend two or an alternative . school plans keep changing . When we work possibly four hours , and that is what you pay for . Former Presiding Judge Marie E . Lihotz , and with those who want a resolution through You can decide to address one issue or several . William J . Thompson , Esq . , members of Archer’s mediation or a quick arbitration , one thing we When people participate in the process with the Alternative Dispute Resolution ( ADR ) Family emphasize is look at this situation as a separate right frame of mind , a mediated or arbitrated Practice Group , explain the firm’s services period of time that will change when things get resolution is more efficient and more effective . serving as a “ COVID coordinator ” to help ? Archer One Centennial Square | 33 E . Euclid Ave . | Haddonfield | ( 856 ) 795 - 2121 | Archer - Family - Law.com SUBURBANFAMILYMAG.COM volume 11 issue 8 SUBURBAN FAMILY 13