Co-parenting is a challenge even under ideal circumstances, and with everything that is going on with COVID-19, it’s obvious that circumstances are anything but ideal. As a child custody lawyer, part of my job is to help my clients successfully navigate the common (and, if 2020 so far is any indication, the not-so-common) obstacles that stand in their way as parents.
Which is what I hope to continue doing in this post. To help your family stay safe during these difficult times, here are my tips for co-parenting during the pandemic.
Continue Following Your Parenting Plan
Even with a global health crisis making headlines every day, co-parents still have to follow their parenting plans, with a few obvious exceptions—unless both parents can agree on a new plan, or if it is impossible to follow the parenting plan, then the original plan still stands. Stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders do not prevent parents from dropping off or picking up their children. However, there may be situations that prevent one parent from being available. If co-parents can come to a new agreement, it’s important to put it in writing.
Be Patient with Your Co-Parent and Your Children
Right now, everyone is struggling. People are struggling with lost income, health concerns, and other issues because of the coronavirus. With school closures, parents have the added responsibility of helping their kids continue learning from home.
It’s very likely that, under such circumstances, co-parents’ schedules may be disrupted.
The only thing they can do to help when that happens is to be patient with everyone involved. As a child custody lawyer, I can say that hostility will only add more stress to the situation.
Marriage May Not Last, but Parenting Is Forever: Practice Safety to Stay Healthy
Divorce is not the end of your relationship with your spouse, especially if you have a child together. An infectious disease like COVID-19 shows just how connected you still are with your ex-spouse. After all, if one parent is exposed to the virus, it’s very possible that the child and the other parent will be, too.
Co-parents can work together to keep everyone in the family safe by talking through what safety measures need to be in place in both households.
Communicate to Solve Problems
Perhaps the most important tip I have to offer co-parents as a child custody lawyer during this unprecedented time is that effective communication can prevent a lot of trouble. Communication should happen early and often when new circumstances arise. Keep each other in the loop when things change.
We’ve heard a lot about how we are all in this together. That includes co-parents.
Contact a Child Custody Lawyer for Support
Certain things require the help of an experienced attorney. If you and your ex-spouse can’t agree on what is best for your child, get in touch with me today. I can help you find a resolution and represent your interests.
About the Author: Helena Y. Farber is an attorney in Aventura, Florida, whose practice is concentrated in the areas of divorce and family law. She can be reached at (305) 520-9205 or via email at hyf@farberlawpa.com.
Disclaimer: The attorney makes this Blog available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.