If you are a parent and have a shared parenting plan or custody order with parenting time provisions, you probably have questions about the potential impact of the coronavirus on your situation. Here is some information to help:
- There are no known coronavirus clusters in Central Ohio yet.
You and the other parent should take the recommended precautions to avoid exposing the children to the coronavirus. Those precautions include: social distancing and minimizing contact with others; cough and sneeze into your elbow; wash hands with soap multiple times throughout the day; don’t touch your face; wipe down things that are frequently physically contacted: phones, computer keyboards, door handles, toys, etc. - Talk to the other parent to try to come up with a plan to prepare for any severe outbreaks in the area. This may include both short term and long term changes to the current parenting time schedules.
- If you, the other parent or the children have been exposed to someone exhibiting coronavirus symptoms or is known to have tested positive for COVID-19, you should self-isolate. You should also immediately communicate with the other parent concerns about the exposure and how to maintain contact or communication. Some options may include telephone calls or using web video apps, such as Skype or Facetime.
- For parents that have difficulty communicating, you should focus on the facts. The safety of the children should be the number one priority. There is information about the coronavirus available in multiple websites, including the CDC and the Ohio Department of Health, that may be useful in discussing a plan for the children.
- You and the other parent may also want to consult with the children’s pediatrician for information on additional steps that may be taken to protect them, particularly if they have compromised immune systems.
- Due to the economic impact of the coronavirus, there may be limitations on your or the other parent’s ability to pay support or other expenses for the children.
- Discussing the physical and financial impact of COVID-19 on your family may reduce the need to file an emergency motion with the court, saving time, money and the stress of litigation in this difficult time.
Parenting is stressful enough without having the added worry of the coronavirus. We are here to help reduce that stress. Visit centralohioattorneys.com for more information. You can get information by “liking” our Facebook page or following us on Linked-In. Or call today at 614-538-2901 to schedule a phone conference, in-person or virtual meeting.