Renewing Co-parenting Relations During COVID-19

If you are a separated or divorced parent, you have probably already established normal child custody arrangements with your ex to accommodate your and your children’s schedules. However, in times such as these, it seems that nothing is ‘normal’ any longer. School is taught via Zoom, you are working from home, and child care is difficult to find right now. Even with the state opening back up, you may be afraid to send your kids to daycare or allow them to play with their friends because each day is uncertain. 

3 Tips for Child Custody Arrangements

So, what can you do to ensure that you make the best arrangements for your children during this time? 

Be Negotiable With Your Ex

It may be difficult, but you both need to try your best to be communicative and responsive to one another. With social distancing measures still in effect, many parents are unsure how they are supposed to abide by their child custody arrangements and not risk the safety of their family. The truth is that each parent should be as cooperative as possible to ensure that the kids get to see both parents, whether in person or over video chat. Many kids are feeling anxious about the current situation, so you want to do everything you can to ease their minds by negotiating with your ex. Avoid confrontational interactions, in-person, text, or over the phone.

Modify Child Support As Needed

If you are struggling to pay child support due to job loss or layoff, be honest with your ex and talk about modifying the payments until further notice. Transparency and understanding are key. If you are receiving child support payments, but you are the one who lost your job or was laid off, be honest as well. If you need more assistance during this time, let your ex know so you can figure out the new financial situation together. Any modifications should be agreed upon in writing, so make sure you contact your divorce attorney as soon as possible. 

Contact Your Family Law Attorney

If you have any questions regarding your child custody agreement, or if you are concerned that your ex is not following social distancing guidelines with your children, and you are unsure of how to handle the situation, please do not hesitate to contact our office for a consultation. Tim Bradford is a skilled guardian ad litem in family law court cases and an experienced divorce attorney. Contact Bradford Law Offices, PLLC for more information.