During this pandemic, are parents who are separated or divorced doing anything different when exchanging their children? Well, yes and no. Here’s we’ve learned so far. Let us know if this helps any issues you might be having with your ex:
1. Most parents continue to abide either by common sense (if they don’t have a court-ordered parenting plan in place) or by their parenting plan.
2. By and large, most parents put first their children’s needs, comfort, peace of mind, and sense of security.
3. Many parents have agreed to the following:
a. If either parent or any child experiences possible symptoms relative to COVID-19 (fever, chills, upper respiratory issues, etc.), then the parents suspend exchanging the children either until testing occurs (with a negative result) or the parent (or children) no longer exhibit symptoms. In any event, the suspension on exchanges lasts for at least 48 hours.
b. If any child exhibits symptoms, the parents agree as to which health professional shall test/treat the child. Except in the case of an emergency, neither parent takes the child to any health care provider or facility without contacting them first regarding their protocols. The parent currently with the child accommodates testing and any other directives issued by the health care professional or facility.
4. Courts want parents to:
a. Exhibit as much common sense as they can in light of this unprecedented time.
b. Follow the parenting plan as best as possible, and to follow what had been the 2019-20 school schedule–as of last fall, and as amended by the state/school districts since COVID–when determining when to exchange children, e.g., “school breaks,” “after school,” etc.
c. Always put the child’s safety and well-being first. In limited instances, this has meant that for a parent who lives in a state not conveniently accessible by car (Oregon is accessible, Maine isn’t), the children don’t fly to the other state, but that parent has very liberal and lengthy FaceTime, etc., privileges with the children.
With case-by-case exceptions, courts are enforcing parenting plans as written.
Have questions about your parenting plan? Contact The Levey Law Group to find out how we can help. Call 253-272-9459 or email us at info@theleveylawgroup.com.
