Set Rules
The COVID-19 Pandemic has given us an opportunity to fine-tune our co-parenting skills. With your child going back and forth between households, it’s important to set up consistent rules to be followed by both households in order to keep everyone safe.
If you’ve been staying home, aggressively washing your hands, and disinfecting everything that comes through your door, but you don’t believe your ex is being as vigilant, there are still things you can do to put your mind at ease.
If you are able to have a civil and effective conversation with your ex, do so. Your children will remember these days, as will most of us. It will benefit them immensely if they know that even during divorce, both Mom and Dad were willing to work together to protect them.
Be An Example
If your kids are old enough, teach them how to stay safe by following the guidelines and explaining how it all helps.
- Let them see you as you wash your hands properly and have them help as you disinfect the house.
- Model behavior such as wearing masks and restricting visitors.
- If you have doubts about the other household, preparing the kids to handle some of these practices themselves will help.
At the time of writing, parent-time is still in effect and should be exercised as before. In some cases, however, reasonable accommodations will have to be made. If travel restrictions or illness prevents your children from spending time with their other parent, reassure them they will be able to make up the time later. Provide generous opportunities for phone calls and virtual visits in the meantime.
When it comes to the pandemic, be transparent. If someone in your household is ill, make it known to the other parent as soon as possible. If you or your child start showing symptoms of the virus, let the other parent know so precautions can be taken and plans adjusted.
Work Together
At this time, many people are experiencing financial hardship as jobs are reduced or lost. Try to work together when it comes to supporting. If you’re receiving support, see if you can make do with less for a time, until the other parent is able to resume full payments. If you’re paying support, even if you can’t send the full payment, send whatever you can.
If you can work together now, for the sake of your children, you’ll save yourself heartache and attorney’s fees later. Courts expect you to be willing to make reasonable accommodations under these highly unusual circumstances. Show them, and your children, that even though Mom and Dad don’t agree on everything, one thing they do agree on is the health and safety of the kids.
Get help from a Utah Family Law Attorney. If you have questions or need legal help to protect your children, CoilLaw can help. Managing partner Jill Coil is dedicated to helping families Even during this unprecedented time, Jill Coil’s experience can assist you. To schedule a consultation via video conference or by phone, contact our office. We are happy to help. Contact us at 801-804-3056.
