Window Hours & Copy Requests at Family Law Facilitator's Office

UPE recently met and conferred with the Court regarding two topics that impact the daily operations at the Family Law Facilitator’s Office (FLFO): (1) the hours of operation for the public-facing windows and (2) new duties for Deputy Clerks related to copy requests.

 

1. Hours of Operation for the Public-Facing Windows:

UPE raised concerns about the current hours of operation for the public-facing windows, particularly how the windows are open during lunch hours, and after 4 p.m. UPE let the Court know that this policy creates hardship for the paralegals. This schedule leaves them with insufficient time to complete back-office work, such as responding to e-correspondence, leading to irregular lunch breaks.

 

In response to this, UPE proposed:

• Closing the windows from 12:00-1:30 p.m.

• Closing the windows at 4 p.m.

• Increasing the screening process at the reception desk to better direct the public to the correct locations.

 

The Court acknowledged our concerns and agreed to implement a policy that will hopefully alleviate demand for self-help windows – heightened screening at the reception desk and a policy to direct represented litigants away from the self-help windows.

 

2. New Duties for Deputy Clerks – Copy Requests:

UPE asked why Deputy Clerks from FLFO are now being asked to assist with copy requests. The Court explained that this change was designed to provide the Deputy Clerks with additional work. UPE asked for clarification on the reporting structure for these duties, and the Court confirmed that Joline would continue to be the supervisor for the Deputy Clerks moving forward.

 

Regarding priorities for the Deputy Clerks, the Court stated that Deputy Clerk duties would be the priority until they are assigned copy requests. Once assigned, Deputy Clerks will go to a desk in Records to complete those copy requests. UPE also asked if there would be a quota for the number of copy requests each Deputy Clerk would be expected to handle, and the Court made it clear that no such quota would be implemented.

Finally, UPE inquired about which department would maintain control over the status updates for copy requests. The Court confirmed that Records would ultimately be responsible for providing status updates if litigants inquire about the progress of their requests.

 

We will continue to advocate for your best interests and keep you updated as we work through these important issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

 

UPE expresses a special thank you to the Board Members and Subject Matter Experts who participated in this meeting. Your experience and expertise were critical to our collective voice being heard. 

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONG!