Co-Parenting During a Crisis
Most families with children who we work with in mediation and in collaborative representation decide to co-parent after divorce. As I write this blog post, we are continuing to live in an unprecedented public health crisis posed by the social distancing requirements imposed by the spread of Covid-19. This has created logistical issues when families are spread between two households. Challenges imposed by distance learning and parents unexpectedly working from home are creating stress and difficulties. Is co-parenting still possible in this situation? It is possible, and it may be the best way to continue to nurture the emotional well-being of your children. I’ve been working with some parents in ODR (online dispute resolution), and they have articulated a few guidelines that have been helpful to them.
With many activities, including school, being entirely online, parenting plans may need to adapt.
Follow your parenting plan.
If you have a parenting plan you have developed with a family attorney that has been working for your family, stick with it. You may need to make modifications, but maintaining as much as you can of your routines will benefit the children.
Be flexible but transparent.
When church, extracurricular activities, and schools are closed, the child’s schedule is going to change. Parents need to review the plan, figure out what parts will need to be modified, and work together to be sure to create the modification and to be certain that both parents agree.
You may need to change pick up and drop off or make arrangements for child care during the day. Often, the provisions of the parenting plan that operate in the summer may provide a good starting point for changes to get through this difficult time.
Look out for the physical and emotional well being of your child.
Covid-19 is highly contagious, and this is why “stay at home” orders have been issued in the states where I practice. If anyone in the family exhibits symptoms, it is crucial that he or she be isolated and tested, possible. This may necessitate further temporary changes in the parenting plan. However, even if this modification is required, parents should continue to have as frequent online or telephone communication when the child as possible. It’s a challenge, but the physical safety and emotional well-being of your child are paramount!
Contact Brenda Waugh
If you need to make adjustments to your parenting plan due to the pandemic, contact Brenda Waugh. We offer child advocacy attorney services in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia.