For families creating a social distancing plan, it can be as simple as creating family rules for parents and children to follow within their homes.
For parents living separately, however, social distancing and staying healthy when children must travel back and forth between two households is far more difficult.
Divorced or separated parents with good co-parenting relationships will likely agree on social distancing measures that both households will follow to meet their children’s best interests.
For parents of children who are high-risk for COVID-19, it is essential to reach clear agreements on how to keep their children safe.
When parents can’t agree, that is where it gets serious. What if one parent continues to work outside of the home in a high-risk area? What if one parent refuses to social distance and has friends (or others) coming in and out of the home, or continues to take the children on play dates or to public places?
Social distancing measures do not directly affect custody orders, so you should expect to follow your current custody arrangement.
But what if you believe sending your child to your ex’s home would put your child’s health or safety at risk? First and foremost, you should speak to your child’s other parent and try to agree on a modified custody plan during this serious time.
If that fails, immediately contact an experienced family law attorney to see what options you may have, and if you can obtain an emergency temporary child custody order from your local family court.
Speak To The Experienced Family Law Attorneys
The Courts are open, although barely so. They are handling emergency hearings and contempt hearings in family law cases, although not necessarily every case. That is why you need to speak to an effective family law attorney if you find yourself in this situation.
Milstein Siegel can help. For more information, reach out to Milstein Siegel by calling (410) 792-2300 or by requesting a consultation online.
