The world feels like a very difficult and surreal place to be in right now. With all the changes that are happening across the world, and indeed within this country in the last two weeks, there is some guidance available on how to keep things normal and regular from your family.
The UK government has advised everyone to stay home, and away from others, unless absolutely necessary and only make essential journeys for food shopping, medical need or once per day exercise. But, if you have informal child arrangements in place already between you and your separated partner, or more formal arrangements through a court order, then maintaining this sense of normality and the agreement is a top priority. Now, how can you do this?
Child arrangement changes during the coronavirus pandemic
Everyone across the country is no longer permitted to be outside of their home for any purpose other than essential shopping, daily exercise, medical need or for essential work.
If both parents co-parent well currently, then there is nothing formally issued from the government preventing the normal arrangements from continuing, but with added precautions of course. The most important factor to consider during these difficult and unprecedented times is that of your child’s welfare. This includes, where possible, spending time with both parents regularly.
If you have a court order in place and your situation has changed, then it is advisable to agree to new arrangements to accommodate this. If you have not yet agreed on child arrangements, please contact us and we can advise you on the best way forward.
Staying at home with kids
Parents must follow and abide by the rules issued from Public Health England on staying at home, and away from others. This is to reduce the spread of infection in the UK as well as keep everyone safe.
If parents of a child/ children (under 18) do not live in the same household, then they can be moved between the two parental homes. If the decision to travel between the two households is decided then the movements should be limited. Proper and sensible assessments of parent/ child circumstances should be taken into consideration, including health, risk of infection, presence of a recognised vulnerable individual in one household or the other.
The best thing for parents to do is communicate their individual circumstances, any worries and make the necessary safe arrangements for the child/ children. If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to get in contact with our team of family solicitors. We specialise in children’s law and services and can offer any help and guidance through this difficult and unprecedented time.
Contact Broadbents Solicitors
If you require a solicitor to provide you with comprehensive advice regarding child arrangements, please call our dedicated team. We have four branches across Alfreton, Derby, Heanor and Sutton in Ashfield. Alfreton 01773 832 511, Derby 01332 369 090, Heanor 01773 769 891, Sutton-in-Ashfield 01623 441 123. Alternatively, you can send us an enquiry on our online contact form.
