A Message to Our Clients, Colleagues, and Friends:

With the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) changing so much of our daily lives, we want to assure you that Barbara Keon, LLC, is fully prepared to continue our operations. Although our primary concern is for the health and safety of our community, we are dedicated to continuing to serve our clients’ needs as we all manage this global health crisis. We recognize that while the virus may have shut down many parts of normal life here in Georgia, family law matters are still ongoing and require attention.

Our firm has a plan in place to ensure business continuity so that we are operational and fully available to handle client matters as seamlessly as possible. Our plan includes enhancements to our already established remote work capabilities, which enable our staff to continue to be responsive to your needs throughout any closures that may take place. We remain reachable by telephone and email as normal, and we have expanded our ability to communicate with the courts and our clients via video conferencing. Initial consultations and client meetings are now available via telephone or video conference should you not feel comfortable leaving your home. Whether you are an existing client or considering your legal options during this time, we can advise you on how your case may progress given the current situation.

Despite what you may have heard, our court system has not been shut down. The Georgia Supreme Court issued a Statewide Judicial Emergency Order on March 14, 2020, which has been extended each month therafter. Although the physical courts are closed (with the exception of family violence restraining orders and cases “where an immediate liberty or safety concern is present requiring the attention of the court”), we are still able to file new cases and all pleadings electronically. Additionally, many of our judges are utilizing video conferencing for their status conferences, hearing, and trials. Since the date of separation or filing may have an impact on your ultimate property division and the courts will most likely have a backlog when they resume, it is in your best interest to file your case sooner rather than later. We are completely prepared to handle your case by email, telephone, and/or video conference if you are unable to come into our office.

The mission of Barbara Keon, LLC, is to lead our clients successfully through their family law disputes; to achieve outcomes for our clients that they have helped to shape; to protect our clients’ relationships with their children; and to secure our clients’ financial future through strategic, pragmatic, and effective decision-making. The adversity presented by the current health care crisis only strengthens our resolve to execute our mission.

We continue to follow CDC and WHO recommendations and guidelines in an effort to “flatten the curve” and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We are engaged in the following practices to continue our operations while keeping our staff and clients safe:

• We are practicing social distancing, hand washing, and cleaning and sanitizing regimens in our office space. Our office will remain open to the public, but by appointment only.
• The common areas and high touch points of our office building (doorknobs, handrails, elevator cabs, etc.) have been and will continue to be cleaned throughout the day.
• All building staff will be wearing face coverings when working in or accessing common areas and tenant spaces.
• Social distancing protocols will be in place for the lobbies and passenger elevators of our building. There will be sanitization stations located inside the commonly used entry points to the property.

We have a deliberate and thoughtful continuity plan that ensures our firm’s continued operation and uninterrupted service to our clients. Please rest assured that our greatest concern is for the health and safety of our clients, colleagues, community, and staff.

Your partnership, friendship, trust, and confidence mean more now than ever, and we look forward to continuing to serve you. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this pandemic, and we wish for everyone to remain healthy and safe as we work through these challenging times.

Please feel free to contact me directly at 770-350-8582 with any inquiries or family law issues that you may be facing.

Barbara E. Keon