The COVID-19 pandemic has led to people tightening their social circles often to immediate family out of necessity. Social distancing measures implemented by states were put into place to “flatten the curve” to ensure hospitals would not become overwhelmed by new cases.
Some of these social distancing measures are beginning to relax, but there are those who might still be a little leery about expanding their social circles again. This can have an effect on custody and visitation for divorced parents.
Social distancing rules have no effect on custody orders
It is important to note that your child custody and visitation orders in your divorce are still legally binding even during a pandemic situation. You are expected to continue following your custody arrangement as much as possible unless you and the other parent can come to an alternative plan or a judge changes the order.
That being said, there are some situations in which parents might have valid concerns that could lead to a temporary change and possible make-up visitation time later. These could include:
- One of the parents exhibiting symptoms of the COVID-19 virus
- One of the parents having recently been exposed to someone with a confirmed COVID-19 case
- One of the parents having a high-risk job that results in them being frequently exposed to COVID-19
- A child at high risk for contracting COVID-19 due to being immunocompromised
If you believe there is a health risk associated of allowing your child to spend time with their other parent, you should take all of the necessary legal steps to temporarily amend your custody arrangement and offer alternatives, such as future make-up time or virtual visits. Work with an experienced Minnesota custody lawyer at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A. to accomplish this.
