Why are fatwas issued regarding divorce issues via correspondence, even though the fundamental principle is for a fatwa committee to listen to both spouses?

In matters of dispute, the first step is to refer to the Sharia court or scholars to hear both parties. Nevertheless, there is no impediment to issuing a fatwa regarding a question received via a message or call from one of the spouses, as the Companions and Imams used to do. Indeed, Ibn Mas'ud issued a fatwa concerning a woman whose husband died before consummation and before the dowry was specified, and the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, affirmed his judgment. It is preferable, when a question comes from one of the parties, to use phrases such as: "If the reality is as stated."