In a New York minute, our lives have changed dramatically. No one knows if and when life will return to the way it was. It may be the loss of a job, working on the front lines, children home from school, the death or illness of loved ones, or simply not living as freely due to daily changing advisories.
Because these are unprecedented times, there may not always be black and white answers to co-parenting conflicts. Parenting orders still remain, but circumstances have changed so much they may not be possible to follow. Scheduled holidays, events, and pre-planned vacations are not happening. Maybe a parent is working on the front lines, in a high-risk area, living with others in high risk jobs or caring for an elderly parent at high risk. Maybe a parent tested positive for coronavirus or was exposed and needs to be quarantined. Some parents are working extra hours, some are working from home, and some are completely out of work hoping for that stimulus or unemployment check. Is the other parent available to be the full-time caretaker? Should the children remain in one home or go back and forth? Parents need to cooperate to allow for time by video or telephone if a parent is quarantined or unable to safely care for the children. We encourage all parents to make mutual and thoughtful decisions and set an example to your children that you both care and are able to work together.
The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers published 7 guidelines, which note that orders and agreements should be complied with and parents need to be creative about access and transparent about potential exposure to the virus.
The 7 guideline headings are: Be Healthy; Be Mindful; Be Compliant; Be Creative; Be Transparent; Be Generous; and Be Understanding. I urge anyone co-parenting to review the details of these guidelines at the following link:
Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court, John D. Casey, issued an Open Letter regarding co-parenting during COVID-19. I also urge you to read his letter, which can be found at:
Another great resource is from the American Bar Association, which can be found at the following link: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/family_law/resources/covid-19/
Co-parenting for divorced/separated families is clearly not the same and many inquiries have been made for guidance during these difficult unprecedented times. My office remains open remotely and available for telephone/video consults. Calls are answered 24/7, so please reach out and call 617-847-6993, or email to [email protected] if you need guidance in co-parenting, or any other legal matters.
Be Well and Stay Safe!
Tracy Wilson
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