Co-parenting in separate households already comes with many challenges, but pandemic parenting has introduced a whole new set of obstacles.
A strong and detailed parenting plan is crucial to co-parenting success, but COVID-19 may introduce new challenges to your rules and expectations. It is important to discuss these challenges with your partner and seek mediation, if necessary.
Our skilled family attorneys at Raiff Representation are here to assist you with any modifications to your parenting plan or parental rights, and we strive to find a resolution that is best for you and your family.
1. Stay updated with COVID-19 updates and information
Agree to follow COVID-19 best practices by complying up with local, state, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Both parents should come to a unified agreement on social distancing, mask mandates, and other pandemic restrictions.
2. Have a quarantine plan in place
Parents should discuss what should happen if any family member is exposed to or catches COVID-19. While both parents must respect and comply with court orders and custody agreements in place, factors like mandatory quarantine, exposure, travel-related restrictions, and other guidelines may interfere and require some temporary modifications.
3. Comply with custody agreements already in place
During unprecedented times, it can be difficult to follow the exact plan drafted out before COVID. However, that plan was set for a reason. Try to maintain structure and stability for your child(ren) by sticking to your regular visual schedule.
Discuss any COVID-related issues with your attorney and ensure that you are following your court-ordered plan to the best of your ability, while still ensuring the health and safety of your family.
4. Be transparent
Both parties should be transparent with one another regarding any suspected exposure, COVID-like symptoms, or other concerning health factors. Drafting a quarantine plan beforehand, or coming to an agreement about scenarios that could potentially occur, will help you and your co-parent have a plan in place if pandemic-related issues arise.
5. Be flexible and understanding
If you and your partner are able to come to an agreement about making up missed time due to COVID-19, add this to your parenting plan. In unusual circumstances like these, reasonable accommodations can be made to ensure a child or children have both parents in their lives.
Raiff Representation can help you and your co-parent find a resolution through settlement, mediation, or the Court, if necessary.
If you need assistance regarding parental rights modifications due to COVID-19 or need help altering your parenting plan, Raiff Representation will help guide you in the right direction and ensure what is best for you and your family.
Call or email us today to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a trusted family attorney.