Co-Parenting During A Pandemic

Social distancing; general community quarantine; rapid testing and ongoing lockdowns are all reality as a result of the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus and ongoing pandemic. During all of this uncertainty, many are faced with the unique task of upholding court orders and co-parenting agreements while trying to figure out a new normal.

Here are some tips on best practices while co-parenting during a global pandemic.

1. MONITOR AND FOLLOW CDC REGULATIONS.  

1. Protocols and health community standards must be followed at all times. This minimizes the spread of the virus and other diseases that cause contamination to others. “Social-distancing” is the best way to keep you and your family safe. It is encouraged that you make sure your children understand why normal activities are temporarily unallowed. Like for example, having playdates, social gatherings (such as birthday parties and weddings), and dining out in their favorite fast-food restaurants. This however does not change existing court orders. Everyone expects to proceed as normal. In this matter, parents can get creative and try to make the situation lighter than what is expected for their children. For example, by making a schedule and plan. A schedule of drop-off and pick up at a certain meetup place. This creates a positive sign that kids will foresee every time it happens.
2. KEEP CO-PARENTING AGREEMENT PLAN MUTUAL.
3. If it is impossible to stand the order, note all the adjustments needed, and put it in writing. These include long traffic hours, a canceled flight, and military travel bans. As a substitute, make time for video calls, texts, chat, or facetime to replace the visit.
4. HAVE STRICT RULES IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD.
5. Each household must have a similar safeguard for handwashing, sanitation, and disinfection. If one parent is a frontline worker, these measures must take at an even higher level. Ensuring the old and minor child(ren's) safety. Everyone must take both in transition and during parent’s access time. Support each co-parent positively. Help the child(ren) and the other parent understand the situation. Help them accept the circumstances as empathetically as possible.
6. ALWAYS CHOOSE THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION.
7. In the event, a family member tested positive for the virus one must be aware of the dos and don'ts. Planning an outline noting the emergency and crisis response needs for the child and home care. This outline detail has the management of the course of action to take.  Such as following home quarantine rules as guided by the CDC, home disinfection in both households if possible. Moreover, rapid testing for each family member who has a closed in contact with the infected person. Finally, a strict self-isolation of the infected family member for 14 days. The goal of these rules is to remain as healthy as possible. Maintaining anxiety, conflicts, and parenting stress issues during this time.
8. OBTAIN THE USE OF PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR CONFLICTS.
9. As noted earlier, court orders must continue to be followed during this pandemic. If an argument arises but does not rise to the level of an emergency, there are several other ways that exist. Family court mediators, therapists, parent coordinators, and out-of-court decision-makers are always available. They are available in helping co-parents work things out during this pandemic. These professionals can assist parents in making decisions that are in the best interest of the children.

Having issues with an existing order or parenting plan can be difficult in normal times.  But experiencing all of them is difficult during a pandemic.  An experienced Maryland Family Law Attorney can assist with clarifying these concerns with an appropriate course of action. Contact Angel Murphy at The Murphy Law Firm, LLC today to schedule a consultation at (240) 493-9116. If you are active on social media, Like us on Facebook @AMurphyLegal, Follow us on Instagram @AMurphyLegal, and Twitter @AMurphy_Legal.