Child arrangements during the Coronavirus pandemic

It has been a very difficult time for families, particularly parents who do not live in the same household.  No doubt that some parents are concerned about whether the current child arrangements and time they spend with their children will be able to continue. The Government have published guidance on exceptions to the ‘stay at home restrictions’.  They have confirmed that where parents do not live in the same household, children under the age of 18 can be moved between their parents’ homes. 

Where a person has Parental Responsibility for their child they are able to make decisions concerning their child’s welfare and ensure that they are not placed at risk or in vulnerable situations. Therefore where a parent or someone in the household is showing symptoms of the Coronavirus or is in a vulnerable category then parents will need to ensure that their children are not moved between the homes at that time. This may mean that a parent can go sometime without seeing their children as the Government guidance states that a person who has symptoms must stay at home for seven days and if they have family members that live with them they must also stay at home for 14 days. 

At this time parents are going to have to be flexible and work together to ensure that children can still spend quality time with both of their parents during this difficult time. It will take cooperation and consideration for what is in the child’s best interests. Ultimately, if parents cannot agree on the practical arrangements that should take place for spending time with their children then a Court application can be made. It is difficult to know how the Court will treat cases such as these but undoubtedly the Court will look at whether they feel that the parent who preventing contact between the child and the other parent has acted reasonably and cautiously given the current Government guidance.

If you need any advice or assistance relating to family matters, please do not hesitate to contact Kelly Longmore or our Family team today on 01908 660966 / 01604 828282 or email family@franklins-sols.co.uk.