How custody sharing during separation/divorce can go smoothly during COVID-19 quarantine

Due to the extreme circumstances produced by COVID-19, custody of children can be a complex situation with divorced families. However, custody doesn’t have to be a complicated issue if both parties have a common goal of safety for children. There are methods by which parents can share time with their children during quarantine without jeopardizing the safety of a family member. Although inconvenient, many legal sources have advised children to stay in custody of the parent they were with at the start of the mandated quarantine period. 

Because time-sharing is difficult, it’s important for the custodial parent to offer understanding to the noncustodial parent and perhaps offer to make up time with the child when the quarantine period is over. The custodial parent can also encourage regular FaceTime or Skype with the other parent as to maintain connection during this period. Since the long-term economic effects of COVID-19 are currently uncertain, parents should work towards mutual agreement with child support and how much each party can contribute towards raising their child. The financial amounts can differ from regular support, but again compensation can be recompensed after the crisis is over. 

Handling COVID-19 quarantine and parental custody varies from a case by case basis, and there isn’t a concrete guide on how to handle each situation. Overall, it is important for open conversation to exist between parents about the primary health of their child. Although there is much uncertainty, the CDC claims the most important way of fighting COVID-19 is to maintain a clean space and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Exercise habits such as wiping down well-used surfaces like doorknobs and cellular devices. Both parents maintaining these habits will lower the risk of either party contracting the virus and posing a threat to their children. 

Being cooped up inside can be challenging, but assure yourself and your family that self-quarantine is the best option as recommended by the CDC. In conclusion, stay inside, stay safe, and maintain constant communication about what is best for your child.