Child Custody During COVID-19

Right now, parents sharing custody of a child or children are facing an unprecedented issue: how does child custody work during COVID-19? While no hard-set legal changes have occurred in family law, many experts believe right now, keeping open communication between parents and the child is more important than ever.

But what can you do during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus when it comes to your child custody case? Kalinoski Law Offices P.C. has compiled advice for you and your ex to ensure your child’s needs are at the forefront of your decisions.

Follow the COVID-19 CDC Guidelines

Every day, CDC guidelines and government mandates are changing. While you want what is best for your child, it is important you follow any regulations and health precautions that are being posted to the public.

If you or your child is showing symptoms of COVID-19, you should be quarantined in place.

Be Honest

Now more than ever, you and your ex should have open communication surrounding what is best for your child. With Pennsylvania schools remaining closed for the rest of the academic year, this is likely to put many divorced couples in a scheduling predicament, especially with many working from home, or being out of work entirely.

This is why you need to maintain communication with your spouse. While many courts are giving priority to high-urgency cases, a custody modification plan may be useful later on. But for now, explain what you need from your ex to ensure your child is being taken care of.

In addition, be sure to let your ex know of anyone living in the house with you who has had symptoms of, or has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Though your ex may want to remove the child from the home, it is not in their best interest to do so. Come up with ways your ex can still communicate with your child through messaging platforms, phone calls, and even video chats.

Allow for Extra Time in the Future

If your ex is an essential worker, you two may decide it is in the best interest of your child to stay with the parent who is not exposed to the virus. When the pandemic has ended and normal routines can commence once more, allow your ex to have extra time with your child that they may have missed out on during COVID-19 safety measures. 

Your child will be glad to have that time with their parent and you’ll be glad you were able to maintain peace with your ex. 

Right now, everything is very uneasy. Our daily lives have been disrupted making it not only hard on adults, but on children, too. It’s important now more than ever to create safe and healthy environments for our children during this unsettling time.

If you have questions related to child custody orders during COVID-19, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are working remotely to serve our clients and their legal needs during this time.

Contact Us if you’re child custody situation has been affected by COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has made family law adjust to suit the needs of the most vulnerable, our children. If you have questions or concerns regarding your custody agreement or what is best for your child, call us today. Kalinoski Law Offices P.C. is here to help during this tumultuous time. Call for a free consultation today.

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