While the state of Wisconsin has begun to allow certain companies to open back up and particular gatherings to take place, the state, along with the rest of the country is still in a state of emergency. If your lawyer has established a child custody agreement after you and your partner separated, you may be wondering if any of these emergency precautions change parental visitation or child placement schedule rights. Below is a brief guide to how the current coronavirus (COVID-19) recommendations affect child custody.

Emergency “Safer-at-Home” Order

In order to minimize the spread of COVID-19, Wisconsin issued an emergency “Safer-at-Home” order on March 25, 2020, that prohibited all non-essential travel. As a separated or divorced parent, however, your court-ordered placement schedule has been deemed essential. You can, therefore, continue to pick up and drop off your child as it aligns with your custody agreement. 

Do keep in mind that the agreement can change depending on certain risks. If you have been exposed to a person who tested positive for COVID-19, if anyone in either household has an underlying medical condition, or if your child must fly between states to visit, consider talking with the other parent about pausing the agreement to minimize the risk of contracting the virus. Laws and recommendations are changing day-by-day as well. Stay up-to-date with the CDC, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, local law enforcement, and your lawyer’s recommendations to keep you and your family healthy. 

Best Practices for Parents

This pandemic calls for a flexible mindset. Whether you decide if your child should continue traveling between homes or staying with one parent for an agreed period of time, communicate to your child what’s going on. Try to come to a mutual agreement with the other parent on what would be best for the whole family. Depending on where you work or frequent, consider limiting your own outings and potential exposure to the virus in order to protect your child. 

When to Seek Legal Counsel

Your lawyer will know your situation and be able to guide you and the child’s other parent to a wise decision if you cannot agree on best practices. You can also consult your child’s pediatrician to determine specific rules to implement for your child’s safety. These may include prohibiting them from seeing friends for a short period of time, attending family functions, or going to birthday parties.

If you have questions regarding your court-ordered placement schedule, contact Luke A. Weiland, Attorney at Law in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Receive personalized legal advice from this skilled family lawyer who specializes in divorce, legal separation, paternity, child support, and custody disputes. Call (715) 422-6808 to learn more or visit the website to learn more about the team’s comprehensive practices.