The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the deep divisions that exist in the United States, and the impact of this national health crisis is trickling down into the courtroom. During this unprecedented time, it’s critical that you work with an experienced Tampa divorce attorney who will guide you through the murky waters of this pandemic.
Masks, Social Distancing and Custody Agreements: Challenges You Could Face in the Courtroom
When the year 2020 began, no one could have predicted that phrases like social distancing and face masks would dominate the conversation in the courtroom. However, the pandemic has ushered in a whole new era of issues that couples have to address as they navigate the terms of their divorce.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, one judge decided that a mother should not get custody over her 14-year-old son because she refused to wear a face mask. Court records showed that the boy had asthma, which is a pre-existing condition that is known to put people at a higher risk for severe complications with the COVID-19 virus. The judge determined that the mother’s refusal to wear a mask put the boy at too much risk during this time.
Another Florida case that arose in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic left a frontline worker without custody of her children. Eventually, the decision in that case was overturned, but it still highlighted the divisiveness taking place in the courtroom.
The Final Say: How Judges are Making Their Decisions During this Time
Judges are finding it difficult to balance the needs of families during this challenging moment in time. Not only are judges trying to weigh the best interests of all parties involved, but they also have to determine the safest outcome for any affected minors. In many cases, judges are being accused of letting their political opinions influence their decisions. This is largely due to the deep rift that has occurred in the country between the political parties and their respective approaches to the pandemic.
There was a time when many divorced couples could just agree to disagree. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has eliminated the ability to let bygones be bygones. One party’s opinion on health and safety measures may vary greatly from another, and at the end of the day, a judge has to determine what is best for the well-being of the children involved.
In order to get the most successful outcome to your family law matter during the COVID-19 pandemic, you need to partner with a Tampa divorce attorney who will advocate for you. Contact our law firm today to set up a consultation appointment.
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]