As everyone is aware by now, the world is going through self-quarantine. Everyone should maintain social distance. These are the times when you can’t go out as regularly the way you usually do. That’s because you will have to avoid coming into contact with anyone outside your home who might potentially carry the virus. Your immediate family members are the only ones you can spend your time with.
However, this is bound to be a tough phase for separated or divorced parents who share their kids’ custody. In such cases, the immediate family doesn’t have a proper definition. Children are the ones who suffer since they have to stay away from a parent. How to co-parent in these stages? Probably the following points might help you.
What Steps Do the Judges Take?
One relationship differs from the others and agreeing might not be that easy every time. Some couples like to settle the issues they have between them in court. However, that looks tough now as the whole world is facing a lockdown.
A majority of the family courts are shut down. But you need to attend to emergencies. But custody disputes don’t come under the purview of an emergency. After the COVID-19 mayhem gets over, the courts would be reopening for sure. When they do, the judges would probably not be too happy with the parents, more so because these are the people who have given more priority to their interests instead of their kids’ and refused co-operation.
Disobeying the Court Has Its Consequences
If an agreement between two parents is impossible, the process gets more complicated. If a parent doesn’t abide by the court’s order, the judge might cut down the custody and visitation. The same is the consequence when a parent interferes with the custodial rights of their ex-partner.
This is irrespective of whether the reason behind doing so might sound reasonable or not. Parents worrying about their kids’ health might be eager to take risks and just keep their fingers crossed, hoping that once this turmoil gets over. And the courts might find their decision practical too. No doubt, it is a sort of a gamble which they are willing to play. The result of this might involve considerable legal costs as well as time in the family court.
Seeking Help to Come to Agreement
Animosity and further conflict is not the only choice that couples have. They can wait for the family courts to reopen to sort out the issues. Some mediators are available in this crunch time. They can help the couples solve any family related issue at the time of a pandemic.
This is a phase when a kid’s health and safety are of utmost importance. Mediators are well-experienced and can help couples come to agreements that are practical and suit both of them in the long run. Americans today know pretty well that whatever decision they will be taking amidst this outbreak of COVID-19 would have direct consequences on the well-being of the entire family. This warning hasn’t been directed only towards the separated or divorced parents but is applicable for every family out there.
Finding common ground
As workplaces have been shut down and people are working from home now, several parents might seek opportunities to adjust their daily schedules. This way, the kid can get complete care from one parent or the other.
It will thus take away the need to let the nannies or babysitters or family members take care of the little one. According to experts who deal with public health, social distancing is a must to avert the danger of the coronavirus. This is the right situation as everyone is at home when parents can team up. It doesn’t matter how difficult that might be. You guys have to do it for the sake of your children.
The custody choices that couples would be opting for in the coming weeks would affect the health and welfare of their children, and that’s a given. Try to put your kid’s needs ahead of yours. Otherwise, all hell will break loose when courts would find you reluctant enough to bring your child up in the best way possible. Your child is everything for you. Compromise is very fruitful in such situations. Try it out for the sake of your kid.