Parenting always has hurdles and challenges in its way, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has elevated it to another level. Being a prisoner at one’s home can be challenging stuff, especially with a child full of vibrant energy. Things can even get worse when the parents are divorced or are in the middle of it. But there’s a solution to everything. Right? A child needs both a mother and a father figure in life to take a good shape. As a co-parent, one must always do the best in the interest of the child and stick to parenting plans.
How does the pandemic change the view towards child custody?
With the advent of COVID virus all across the globe, the government has issued orders to only move-out, if necessary. With no traditional courts running and use of arbitration, every legal activity and pending cases have come to a halt. Before looking at anything, the first and foremost concern is the concern for life, and hence, no parent would want their child to move from one place to another. One also is liable to doubt the extent of cleanliness and protocols of sanitization the other parent has that can be a clean line between keeping the child safe. Therefore, one has to view child custody differently, looking forward to the needs of the child.
Alternatives to handling child custody in COVID-19 pandemic
Seeking the love of one’s offspring or showering them with immense love is understandable of any parent. But, no parent would want to risk their child to an environment that holds danger. Several alternatives can help in handling child custody in the best way. They are the following:
- The co-parents must communicate about their notion and come up with a feasible solution to manage child custody during the pandemic. A personal attorney can help in shaping things legally and clearly, in case of communication gaps or conflicts.
- Sharing concerns about safety during the ongoing situation, and agreeing to a deviation, can help to keep the procedures clean and smooth. Discussing in details about the period of divergence, making up for the lost time, points about the agreement can help with a seamless process.
- Thinking creatively and connecting to the child via Facetime, Skype, and other platforms can help the child feel loved. One can engage in playing games online, reading over a video call, text messages can further elevate the bond and help them spend time together.
- If the divorce is still in progress, one can continue with the terms and conditions they agreed upon or can talk to the lawyer and make a deviation plan, if necessary. It is essential to look at the pros and cons of formally capturing agreement or updating an order.
- In case of disagreements or differences of opinion, while choosing a solution, one must always walk on legal terms. Picking a mediator or arbitrator can help them have a virtual hearing session of the court.
Trying to be a helping hand
Conflicting about the custody issue and arguing over it can leave a drastic imprint on the mind of the child. The co-parents should try to be a support and come together, communicate, and avoid legal disputes. Trusting each other with the safety of the child is a must. They must share ideas about how to proceed with education via homeschooling, other educational activities, screen time, physical activities, etc. can be a help. They must also be prepared and should share the steps if one of them gets diagnosed as a COVID-19 positive. Talking about the ongoing situation with the child and venting their thoughts can help with brainstorming the child’s mind with positivity. They should also discuss taking precautionary measures to keep the child away from exposure.
Staying away from the child in person can be challenging for any parent. But keeping in mind the situation and being a help to each other emotionally and financially can be the best way to support a child. Despite all the legal issues and the conflicts of the court, one must try to keep things to themselves and act as a team. Thinking and responding practically towards the situation, and in the best interest of the child is what would constitute the best response to handling child custody in COVID-19.