We wanted to take a minute to explain our policies and procedures in light of the mass closures and CDC guidelines for the coronavirus pandemic. Like most social policies, these are subject to change & will be updated accordingly.
Our goal is to be good citizens and comply with the CDC guidelines while making sure we continue to provide rapid, personalized, affordable services to East Tennessee. Our policies during the outbreak are remarkably similar to our policies before the outbreak.
We are continuing to work and accept new clients. Our physical office is temporarily closed, and we are working remotely. However, phones, emails, and faxes are being answered, consultations are being scheduled, and work is being done for existing clients. Currently, we are not in-person consultations, but we still offer free same-day phone or video consultations (and you just might hear our adorable two-year-old in the background).
We are also still filing things. Our cutting-edge technology allows us to start any type of new case remotely, so that you never have to leave the comfort (and safety) of your own home. Even though you’re stuck at home, you can still get a jump on addressing the problems that affect your family the most.
Finally, we are still appearing in court for emergency matters. You may have heard that courts are closed. This isn’t quite true. Courts have suspended most in-person hearings, but the courts remain open to accept new cases and will continue to hear certain emergency matters, such as orders of protection and emergency custody proceedings. We are up-to-date on which judges are hearing what cases and how best to get you in front of them.
In the meantime, we recommend that you continue to follow these steps from the CDC in order to help keep yourself and your family safe:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection
In any crisis, we’re here to help. Call us at 865-419-0480 or contact us through this website today.
Your problems don’t take a break when times are tough; neither should your lawyer.
