Co-Parenting in a Time When the Unexpected Is to be Expected
Co-parenting has been a struggle for numerous divorced parents, but COVID-19 has made it harder. School, sports, extracurricular activities, and playtime are at the core of many children’s daily routines, however, these experiences have been significantly interrupted by the pandemic. As a result, divorced parents must work to manage the chaos and uncertainties of COVID-19 while upholding their children’s best interests every step of the way. But how?
There is no rule book in co-parenting, and there is certainly no rule book in co-parenting during COVID-19. While families are navigating this public health crisis at their own pace and in their own style, the bottom line is that their children’s needs should be at the forefront of every decision they make. Pre-pandemic, divorced co-parents followed a parenting plan that suited their schedules and children’s needs. However, countless divorced co-parents are being forced to revise their parenting plan monthly and even weekly due to the pandemic, adding stress and hardships to all parties.
To best alleviate the burdens of co-parenting during COVID-19, our Westchester County divorce attorneys compiled a list of questions to ask yourself as you work towards finding solutions to your pandemic-related issues:
- Is it in the child's best interest to keep the existing parenting plan in place, sending the child back and forth between homes?
- Is the child functioning better at one parent’s house over the other parent’s house?
- Is one parent able to support online school and virtual learning better than the other?
- Do they have a stable internet connection, a reliable computer, a quiet home environment, etc.?
- Does one parent’s profession involve more contact with the public and subsequently more risk for household members?
- How well do both parents comply with COVID-19 safety measures in their personal, professional, family, and social life?
- Who else lives in the home and how often do they come in contact with the public?
- Is a household member in a high-risk group?
- Over 60 years old
- Has underlying medical conditions
- Is immunocompromised?
- Does one home have more space or access to safe outdoor spaces where children can play and exercise while following safety protocols?
- Would the child benefit from a temporary emergency parenting plan focused on their short-term needs and fluid circumstances?
- Will child support obligations change if the current parenting plan is modified?
Get Legal Counsel on Your Situation Today!
Our Westchester County lawyers are compassionate to your challenging experiences, as we understand that no one could prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why we are committed to helping co-parents reach a common ground in their parenting plans by providing effective legal counsel and personalized solutions. If you want to learn how to best navigate your circumstances during the pandemic, reach out to us online or at (845) 605-4330!