As a parent, you want the best for your child. For parents in child custody arrangements, having a defined schedule that governs when children will live with or visit each parent is usually less of an option and more of a necessity. Well-planned child custody agreements allow parents to maximize the time they spend with their children and avoid causing tension with their ex.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has destabilized many child custody arrangements. If a parent loses their job due to the coronavirus, they may find caring for a child in their custody challenging. Parents who work in essential positions and are at risk of contracting the virus may be wary of interacting with their children too closely. As schools and childcare facilities shut down, many parents may find themselves missing critical pillars of their childcare routine. The list goes on.
Understanding how to navigate your child custody arrangement during the COVID-19 pandemic can help parents care for their children during this time.
Probably not. Around the country, judges have issued orders specifying that the legality of child custody arrangements will not change due to coronavirus. For example, in both Dallas, Texas, and Orange County, California, judges have specified that child custody arrangements will not change during this time.
If your child is supposed to spend three days a week with your ex, this pandemic won't change that. However, there are a number of factors that may affect child custody arrangements—assuming both parents agree that the arrangement should be modified.
At this time, it's vital that parents work together to create an ideal temporary custody arrangement for their children. If you're estranged from your ex, we recommend seeking the help of a mediator to help facilitate a mutually beneficial arrangement.
There are a variety of factors parents should take into account when developing a new temporary child custody arrangement during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Ultimately, your concern should be the health and general wellbeing of your child. Working together with your ex to ensure your child's needs are met will be vital during this time.
Get to Know Your Attorneys!