Nurses, doctors, hospital workers, and other essential employees are on the front lines in the battle against coronavirus. However, this means that they are also at higher risk of exposure. There is a growing number of ex-spouses and parents across the country who are withholding child custody or seeking full custody during COVID-19 due to a fear that these essential workers will expose their children to the virus.
How do visitation orders and child custody arrangements work during this current pandemic? Family law has become very complex due to the current health concerns. Many districts have not given out any guidelines whatsoever for how divorced parents should operate. Our experienced Saratoga family law attorneys always make sure we do what is right for your family. If you need any legal guidance on co-parenting and child custody during COVID-19, do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to help.
Child Custody During COVID-19 | Examples
There are many examples of parents across the country who are seeking temporary sole custody of their children to protect them from risk of exposure. This is especially prevalent in New York State, where the infection numbers are the highest. Most court systems and law firms are operating remotely at the present time, meaning that you can still file a child custody modification request with your lawyer in whatever way works best. Judges are overseeing child custody hearings online.
However, family law works both ways. Restricted access to one parent can have negative effects on building a solid, stable relationship between parent and child. Essential employees who are divorced are fighting to keep their child custody arrangements intact. In one California court case, a judge ordered that the existing child custody arrangement will remain in place unless one parent exhibits signs of COVID-19.Get Our Free Divorce Guide
Child Custody During COVID-19 | How We Can Help
There are many ways that current co-parenting and child custody arrangements can remain consistent during COVID-19. It is recommended that you adhere to your current parenting plan as close as possible unless health concerns dictate otherwise. Even in cases where one parent has been exposed to coronavirus, visitation via Zoom or FaceTime can still be beneficial.
Communication is key during this unprecedented time. Make sure any activity you do with your child follows the CDC guidelines for social distancing. Ex-spouses need to keep each other informed in order to keep everyone safe.
Contact Our Dedicated Saratoga Family Law Attorneys Today
Our experienced Saratoga family law attorneys always make sure we do what is best for you and your family. If you have any questions or concerns about visitation and child custody during COVID-19, do not hesitate to contact our office today. We are here to help.
As we move through this new coronavirus crisis together, our law office will remain fully operational. All matters, for the time being, can be handled over the phone, video conference, live chat and via email. Please contact our office if you need any help.
Out of Town Legal Resources
I talked to someone recently who had questions about how COVID-19 could impact custody decisions in New Jersey. We practice in New York, but we found these family law attorneys in New Jersey that created a lot of really helpful online educational resources. If you or someone you love has concerns about child custody decisions in New Jersey, take a look at this Montclair law office.
