COVID-19 Update: How We Are Serving and Protecting Our Clients
We are closely tracking the rapidly evolving public health and community concerns related to the new coronavirus or COVID-19. Rest assured that we are taking all available steps to remain accessible to our clients as we continue to act in accordance with their best interests during this difficult time.
Please see below for answers to some frequently asked questions, and feel free to reach out to us any time at devin@whittlawfirm.com or 601-607-5055 for assistance with your legal matter.
Is your office currently open during normal business hours?We are working normal business hours from a remote location. We are still available to discuss your case and assist you with questions or concerns. We can also meet with you via video conferencing such as Skype, Google Hangouts and Zoom.
When and how can I contact you?You can still call us on our 601-607-5055 number, email us at devin@whittlawfirm.com, and or text us at 601-212-9724.
What video chat platforms do you offer for clients?Google Hangouts, Zoom, and Skpye.
Are you accepting new clients?Yes. We are still accepting clients for divorce , DUI, family law, and criminal defense in Madison, Rankin, Hinds, Holmes, Yazoo and Leake Counties. We are continuing to serve the residence of Mississippi in this time of need and are here to assist you when necessary.
How can I get updates regarding the status of my case or legal matter?You can get updates on your case at any time. Just call or email for an update.
Are courts of law still open in my area?Yes. Most courts are still open while they are taking safety precautions. In Mississippi we can still file pleadings in person and use MEC. However, most civil and criminal matters set for hearing have been temporarily reset and/or continued due to COVID-19 unless the relief sought involves an emergency. We anticipate that this will continue through April and/or May of 2020 depending on the circumstances. We are continuing to monitor this situation closely and will notify you if something occurs in your case.
Will my court date be rescheduled?Some, but not all, hearings in your case may be continued due to COVID-19. Most common, a hearing in your case may be temporarily continued during this time unless the relief sought in the hearing involves an emergency. However, this does not preclude telephonic conferences set by any court to resolve a matter. Moreover, a judge can consider a civil or criminal motion in a case without oral argument or a court appearance. Some types of cases can even be settled and finalized without the need for the parties to appear in court. If your case is one of these, the current situation may have little impact on your case. You can contact our office for specific information relating to your case.
What if I can't come to court because I'm sick or quarantined?If you are sick or quarantined, contact us and we will request that the matter is rescheduled or “continued”.
Will scheduled depositions, mediation, arbitration, or settlement negotiations occur as planned?Most telephonic settlement negotiations can occur as planned. Scheduled depositions, mediation, and arbitrations may need to be reset due to COVID-19 and we will make this decision with the client on a case by case basis.
Again, please stay safe and feel free to reach out to us with questions at any time, and see the following links below for CDC, state, and/or local updates regarding public health orders, court operations, and other information.
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
State: https://courts.ms.gov/news/news.php
Local:
- https://www.madison-co.com/sites/default/files/chanceryclerkofficeclosure_covid-19.pdf
- https://www.madison-co.com/news-categories/news
- https://www.rankincounty.org/
- https://www.wlbt.com/2020/03/13/closures-cancellations-due-growing-concerns-coronavirus-mississippi/
Court: