I have received these questions numerous times over the last few weeks. Perhaps these answers will help in your situation too:
Do I have to send my child for visitation during coronavirus?
I have spoken with several judges about this topic. There is no short or definitive answer. Your custody judgment is still in effect, so the visitation schedule should still be followed. However, there may be good cause to suspend exchanges of custody.
If exchanging custody would expose your child to Covid-19, then obviously prevent the visitation. If there is an unreasonably higher chance of exposure, it is wise to shelter your child. Otherwise, visitation should continue as normal.
As examples, if a parent has been exposed to a person with Covid-19, that parent should forego visitation for at least two weeks. Hospital workers, jail employees, or other workers with a greater exposure chance should be open-minded about sheltering their children.
Every family and situation is different. You must co-parent this epidemic and make decisions for the best interest of your children.
Do we follow the every other weekend, holiday, or summer schedule?
Most schools have arranged classroom work to be done at home. If you are following a structured homework program, you should maintain the every other weekend (or school time) schedule. If your children are free of homework responsibility, you should follow the summertime schedule.
Must I pay child support during coronavirus?
Yes. Without an agreement between the parents or significant financial hardship, child support orders remain in effect.
Can I talk to a lawyer or a judge?
Yes. Email me. I am not meeting clients in person, but we can arrange a video conference.
The courthouse is open for business, but not open to the public. Most of our judges are scheduling court via video conference. I can arrange it for you. However, complicated cases requiring lengthy testimony are not currently being scheduled.
I hope you and your family are safe and healthy! If you need me, I will always be here.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a divorce or a custody case, feel free to contact the Jones Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to helping your family work through these difficult times.
