Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, people are realizing the importance of family once again,, now that our children’s schedules have been changed due to long-term school closures and the cancellation of other after school activities. Divorced parents or those who live apart for other reasons know the importance of maintaining healthy communication with their children through this situation. As unique as this situation is, some of the skills and experiences developed through previous custody and visitation arrangement discussions might contribute to positively to everyone’s benefit.
With quarantines, the closing of many businesses and the ever-present health threat, former partners should focus on:
● Safety — Regardless of your relationship with your ex, both parents’ primary focus is on their own child’s safety. Everything from a parent’s occupation, travel between homes, and others who might live with a mother or father all may increase a young person’s exposure to the virus. This might mean making tough decisions and difficult conversations, but the determining factor should always be the health of your child
● Use of Technology — Using FaceTime or Zoom to maintain frequent contact can help get parents and their children through these tough times. If it becomes necessary to consult with an attorney, use of these technologies allow you to take advantage of to do so.
● Flexibility — Having solid parenting plans in place, with clear terms regarding custody and visitation. Each side should know their rights and understand the consequences if they don’t fulfill their obligations. Good parenting plans my help with predictable contingencies, but most likely your order does not take into account for a situation where all “nonessential” activity is shut down for months. As much as parents want to see their son or daughter however some states differed as to whether custody arrangements override a stay-at-home directive. Even if you think you have the the law on your side, finding an open court will be very difficult. Unlike almost any other circumstance, this pandemic presents challenges for parents that must justify temporarily breaking from the established custody framework
Whether the right solution for you involves online visits, extra visitation time when the pandemic subsides, or negotiations for a temporary parenting plan modification, a knowledgeable family lawyer can advise you on the best strategies that suit your specific circumstances while protecting your children.
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