Everyone has felt the challenges of the pandemic, and separated parents are no exception. In particular, divorced couples may be wondering how the virus will impact their child custody arrangements. Explore some of the most frequently asked questions about co-parenting during the pandemic below.

4 Commonly Asked Questions About Child Custody During COVID-19

How will COVID-19 affect custody during holidays and breaks?

In general, the closure of schools is not considered a “break.” As such, the normal visitation schedule should remain in effect per your family’s court order. When holidays and school breaks approach, you should also follow the normal schedule to divide time between parents.

How will it affect child custody during the school year?

How the school year will impact families may vary depending on how learning will take place. In Hawaii, for instance, learn-from-home arrangements have been mandated until at least September 11; thereafter, blended learning with in-person sessions may be considered.

Although parents are advised to follow their original custody arrangements, schedule changes may call for temporary amendments. Some courts are now open, but remote proceedings are still taking place when possible.

If you need to adjust arrangements but can’t wait for an official update to your court order, try to do so in a way that will be defensible if presented to a judge later.

How has the pandemic affected custody arrangements in general?

The pandemic, in general, is not considered cause enough to deny another parent visitation rights. However, some courts have issued guidance encouraging parents to use their discretion when it comes to exposing children to coronavirus risks. For instance, one PA county court suspended custodial rights for parents with COVID-19 symptoms. Such circumstances will likely be assessed on a case-by-case basis in most areas.

How can parents navigate this chapter successfully?

Keep the lines of communication open to adjust custody arrangements as needed during this time. For instance, if one parent is living in an area where cases are higher than the other’s, it might make sense to temporarily suspend visitation and make up that time later. Consulting with family law professionals can also help minimize the risk of any legal repercussions.

If you’re seeking legal professionals to assist with your child custody matters, turn to Coates Frey Tanimoto & Gibson, AAL, LLLC, in Honolulu. The legal team has more than 35 years of experience handling divorce cases and has counseled over 20,000 cases. Find out more about their approach to custody cases online, or call (808) 524-4854 to set up a free consultation.