Search Site
Menu

Dealing with Changes to Custody and Visitation Arrangements Caused by COVID-19

Divorced parents are accustomed to raising children amidst changing circumstances, but the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced challenges that many of us have never seen before. Stay at home orders have imposed strict limits on the way we live and complicated many custody and visitation arrangements. We cannot be sure when daily life will more closely resemble what we were used to, but by addressing key issues head-on, divorced and separated parents can avert additional aggravation during an already difficult time.

Each situation is unique, but there are some specific custody and visitation options that might merit consideration during this trying time, such as:

  • Changes to your parenting plan — With schools closed down all over the country, kids are spending more time at home with their parents. Because the closures happened so suddenly, it is likely that most parenting plans don’t account for extra hours the children usually spend in class. It is a good idea to review the parenting plan that you have in place and see if it needs any adjusting. Parents who are not on great terms, or who have difficulties agreeing on visitation arrangements, might need to seek legal advice and request that the court modify their parenting plan order.
  • Alternative visitation arrangements — One parent might be diagnosed with COVID-19 or live with someone who has tested positive for the virus. If this is the case, parents may wish to consider alternative visitation arrangements such as video conference calls via Zoom, Facetime or Skype. Increasing the frequency of calls might also be warranted. Children who have underlying health problems, such as asthma or diabetes, are especially vulnerable to the virus and should stay out of any homes with people who have tested positive for the disease.
  • Modifying child support obligations — If a parent has lost their job or the pandemic significantly changes where a child is spending their time, child support orders might have to be adjusted. In such a case, courts can look at the order and recalculate child support payments if necessary.

Trying to wait out the crisis could lead to unnecessary frustration. To ease everyone’s burden, divorced parents who believe that a change might be beneficial should consult with a knowledgeable family law attorney.

Contact a dedicated family lawyer to discuss your situation and options    

Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P. A. advises clients on various family law issues, including custody and visitation matters. To schedule an appointment regarding your legal options, please call 651-379-3024 or contact the firm online.

 

 

Our Attorneys
Client testimonials
  • "Tori had a thorough understanding of my situation and made excellent recommendations to resolve my concerns. She was persistent on communication and handled everything in a very timely manner. I would definitely hire her again in the future if needed." - M.K.

  • "With Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A., it is like having a family physician. They are all knowledgeable, thorough, comforting, and the only call I need to make for all my legal needs for many years to come. No matter what the matter, I totally trust their advice and commitment to me and my family." - J.N.

  • "Mary from APH Law helped me thru a difficult divorce. She and the entire staff was there for me every step of the way helping me on what to do next. They listened to what I wanted and helped me achieve what matter the most to me in the divorce settlement." - Dana C.

  • "I chose APH after my initial consultation with Mary. I felt my best interest would be represented. The entire process went excellent, the attorneys and staff communicated effectively and efficiently with me throughout the process as they needed to. Being new to the legal process and verbiage, they walked me and talked me through the next steps and the jargon, I felt completely comfortable and represented. I hope I never have to use legal services again but if I do I will call Mary at APH Law and know that I will be taken care of." - Jeff M.

  • "Divorce is a time of emotion and stress. Mary Pfeifer , My lawyer was professional and compassionate. She was very informative through the process. Her insight helped me in my decisions. She worked hard to obtain a settlement which was fair to both parties. Though, I hope I won't need her help again. It is reassuring to know a good person that is willing to help." - Rod S.

  • "I first came to Ms. Jacquelyn Lutz of Appelhof, Pfeifer and Hart in October of 2016. It was definitely the worst time in my life and she compassionately spoke with me about my options. Ms. Lutz thoroughly explained the laws, statutes, process and what to expect going forward. What was supposed to be one case, turned into three intricate cases that took a huge toll on me and my family. Ms. Lutz represented me in court on all three cases with a vast knowledge of the laws and how to proceed accordingly. During all three cases she kept me informed, calm, gave me resources to utilize, and (most important) gave me a realistic view of what may come next. Ms. Lutz knew each case required a great deal of knowledge and creative thinking on how to legally proceed forward with each case. My family and friends are forever grateful for the amazing representation by Ms. Lutz. I highly recommend Ms. Lutz for anyone needing or considering superb representation for any kind of family law. " - M.H.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION


superlawyers
Contact us

Quick Contact Form