How to Stay Connected
How can co-parents stay connected during quarantine?
Currently, Florida is under a statewide stay-at-home order. However, time-sharing is still allowed per your Order or agreement.
During the pandemic, when a child should be seeing their other parent but can’t, alternative means must be used to keep the relationship until face-to-face communication can resume.
For example, think about using Face-Time or Zoom. Children may not want to sit in front of a phone and chat, but many of our parents have made it more creative by doing activities, like reading stories to their children, doing crafts or even mundane things like tooth-brushing.
This also has the benefit of giving children consistency and still allows them to see and speak to members of the family, even if they cannot meet them in person. Having video chats could also help alleviate the anxiety of not seeing all family members regularly.
It can be hard, however, to make these arrangements if parents do not have a good relationship. For example, it may feel like they are invading your privacy, but understand that it is important to recognize the benefit to your child.
Not everyone can easily communicate with their ex-partner, so keep in mind that attorneys, counselors, and mediators can help to reach an agreement if it’s necessary.
However, if one of the parents or children becomes infected with COVID-19, does the parent-time still stay the same?
Be Reasonable
Remember that this is an emergency situation. Whatever you and your ex-partner agree to do during the Corona-virus outbreak will not permanently change your parent-time orders and custody.
You may have to give up some parent-time to keep your children safe. You might have to temporarily let your ex-partner be a custodial parent, and you may have little to no parent-time.
In this case, arrange virtual communication using a digital platform. You can video chat with your children or also spend time playing games, doing puzzles or reading together.
Always keep in mind that this situation is not permanent. Your court orders are still valid, but at this time, it might not be the best situation for your families.
Here Are Some Free Video Chat Services to Stay in Touch:
- Skype
- Google Hangouts
- Google Duo
- FaceTime
Put It In Writing
Whatever temporary agreement you make, put it in writing and make sure to include a note that says when the agreement will end, such as, “when no one is positive for coronavirus in either home” or “when we all return to school and work.”
It is also recommended to contact the other parent in writing (by email or text), where you explain your concerns about the existing custody plan and propose a mutually beneficial solution. It will be very helpful to ask the other parent about their opinion and suggestions for your proposal. Any COVID-19 custody arrangement should address the interests and concerns of both parties.
It is vital that the parents are a team in this situation and that they communicate regularly, even if it is hard. Talk about your concerns and be open to adjustments. Promise your ex-partner that any temporary reduction in parenting time will be made up – and that until then, they will have increased contact, including phone calls, video chats, and other forms of communication.
If you would like to discuss your specific situation in this time of crisis, call Debora A. Diaz Esquire at 727-846-1802 or go to the Scheduling Link: https://deboradiazlawscheduling.as.me/.
Written by Debora A. Diaz, Esquire
Attorney Diaz practices exclusively in Family and Marital Law.