Lawyer Working on Shabbos
Question
Shalom, I am divorced from my non-Jewish wife, and we are currently in the middle of legal proceedings over property division. I now live in Israel, and my non-Jewish lawyers are handling everything in the other country (which I prefer not to specify). I personally do not participate in the hearings. My lawyers just informed me that the next court hearing is scheduled for the first day of Shavuot. Am I halachically obligated to request a postponement, even though I will not be physically present or actively participating in the proceedings? I should mention that it is in my best interest to bring this process to an end as soon as possible, both financially and emotionally. Postponing might delay the next hearing by a month or even longer. What is the correct course of action according to halacha?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
In the event that your lawyer is paid “globally” for his work and not specifically for the work he is doing on Shavuot, and that no Jews will be required to appear in court, it is permitted to allow the court case to proceed on Yom Tov.
SOURCES: OC 244:4, 252:1