Co-parenting success www.deboradiazlaw.com
How to achieve co-parenting success during these uncertain times?
As people around the world practice social distancing, they are separated from everyone else but their immediate family members. However, for divorced partners who share custody of their children, the term “immediate family” isn’t so clear.
Even as the country opens up slowly experts are recommending limiting social circles to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
This is not the time for parents to keep a record of how many overnights the other person has had. The pandemic is stressful enough for everyone – both for parents and children, so they don’t need the added pressure of parental fights. They desperately need more stability in their lives – especially from their relationships with those who love them the most. Some couples might be used to resolving things in court if they can’t reach an agreement, but that is currently not possible.
Most jurisdictions have decided that the partners’ regular parenting time schedule should continue, and contact with the children should not be affected by school closures. The parents can adjust the schedule in agreement with the children’s best interests, and they must not act in a way that would harm their physical health, such as unnecessary travel.
If a child is in another state, then that parent should arrange for the child to meet with the other parent via FaceTime or a similar platform on a regular and more frequent basis while they are apart. It is essential for children that their communication with both parents remains constant throughout these difficult times.
Think about Your Family’s Safety and Health
Now that you and your spouse are no longer a single entity, it is essential that you make the social distancing decisions together. If your children are split between two homes and become infected, both households would be exposed.
You will have to keep an open line of communication to be sure you are acting in everyone’s best interests. While it’s normal to have separate rules for each partner’s home, safety during the Coronavirus pandemic is vital.
If neither of you has been exposed to the virus, and both are healthy, the parenting time can continue as it is. However, if one of the parties has been exposed to the virus, then you should decide on how to stay in contact with children (via video calls, phone, etc.) while the exposed parent is in quarantine or in treatment.
The crucial thing is, to be honest with the other party – if one parent becomes ill, they may want to conceal it so that the contact with the child doesn’t stop, but it is not in anyone’s best interests to risk spreading the virus. This could mean that the child ends up staying with the parent who is showing symptoms to prevent spreading infection in the other home, or it could mean that child needs to stay with the other parent to avoid the risk of becoming ill. You need to think about others in both homes and be extra careful if there is anyone at risk. Be honest about whether you think you are well enough to care for the child and, if not, who should do so.
Remember that attorneys are still available to help you decide the best course of action for you concerning the current situation.
If you would like to discuss your specific situation in this time of crisis, call Debora A. Diaz Esquire at 727-846-1802 or use the Scheduling Link: https://deboradiazlawscheduling.as.me/.
At this time all consultations are by telephone or video conferencing in order to protect our staff and clients.
Attorney Diaz practices exclusively in divorce and family law issues in Florida.
Written by Debora A. Diaz, Esq.