Coronavirus and Co-Parenting

Coronavirus and Co-Parenting

The coronavirus has brought many challenges to daily life and co-parenting is definitely challenging due to COVID19. As always, the well being of your children should be your first priority. Work together for the sake of them, knowing that so many things have probably changed for them recently because of COVID19.

Attorney Diana Velez Harris, with Johnson, Sclafani & Moriarty, said the most common question she has been asked during the pandemic is whether or not people have to follow the parenting schedule. “The answer is a resounding YES,” said Velez Harris.

If neither parent or people within those households has tested positive for the virus and/or has symptoms of the virus, then stick to your court orders as much as possible. It’s best to keep your child’s routine normal. If they can’t see the co-parent at the time they usually do, make sure they connect with that parent through phone calls and/or video chats.

With that said, if your co-parent has symptoms of coronavirus, you should not send your child to their house. Equally, if you or anyone in your household has symptoms or the virus itself, be honest with your co-parent in figuring out the next move.

In addition, many people have lost employment during this pandemic and have no choice but to make modifications to child support. Now is not the time to dig your heals in, especially if you are the parent receiving the child support. Be flexible.  If the two of you cannot agree on a modification to child support, you can still file a motion with the court, although keep in mind, courts are only hearing the most serious cases presently.

And finally, try to be reasonable and accommodating during this unprecedented time. Family law judges will take seriously any concerns raised in later filings parents who were inflexible during this time frame.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at 413-732-8356.

 

 

Souces:

Good Housekeeping.com

Huffpost.com

Fatherly.com