Coronavirus and Child Custody: How to Co-Parent During a Pandemic

Coronavirus and Child Custody: How to Co-Parent During a Pandemic

Divorced parents have long faced challenges trying to develop a co-parenting strategy that keeps their kids’ best interests at heart while still accommodating their own personal needs and schedules. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, co-parenting has become more difficult than ever before for many divorced parents in Florida and across the country. 

Front-Line Workers and Co-Parenting During a Pandemic

Across the country, many essential employees who are working the front lines are being faced with a unique and unexpected family law challenge. According to the New York Times, former spouses are beginning to seek court orders in order to obtain temporary sole custody of their children throughout the duration of the pandemic to prevent them from having contact with parents who are working on the front line. These spouses are fearful that the other parent, who may work at a hospital, as a first responder or in a grocery store, will be exposed to the virus and therefore may put the health of the children at risk. 

However, front line workers are frustrated, because they aren’t sure what their rights are or how they will fight a battle in court while also serving the needs of the community during this crisis. In addition to the fear and stress that they deal with on a daily basis as part of their job, they are faced with a uncertain future regarding their parental rights. 

Ultimately, any parent whose custody agreement may be impacted by the pandemic should partner with an experienced divorce attorney in Tampa who will advocate for their needs. At the end of the day, every facet of the circumstance needs to be considered before updating a custody agreement.

Custody Agreements for Those Staying Home 

When both divorced parents are staying home to work throughout the crisis, most courts have agreed that the original custody arrangements must be maintained. Children are still expected to spend their time with both parents in the separate living spaces, but that has raised concerns among some divorced couples. Any person in Florida who is divorced and is facing challenges with their custody agreement in light of the pandemic should reach out to their divorce attorney as soon as possible. Attorneys are working tirelessly to advocate for their clients and ensure that the best possible solution is drafted for their clients.

It’s important for parents to remember that custody laws will vary from state to state, as will the orders that restrict people’s movements and activities during the pandemic. To find out more information about how the COVID-19 pandemic may impact your custody agreement, contact a Tampa divorce attorney today. Our qualified team of attorneys can provide you with the most useful and relevant information about your rights as a parent during this unprecendented time in our country’s history.

Tampa Divorce Lawyer
Tampa Divorce Lawyer

If you have questions for a Tampa divorce lawyer, or are unaware of the terms and conditions of a Tampa divorce, talk to, and retain, a family law attorney who can help. Contact Damien McKinney of The McKinney Law Group to discuss your case further. He can be reached by phone at 813-428-3400 or by e-mail at [email protected]