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Divorce lawyers are being kept busy answering key questions online on social distancing and child arrangements. Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors in Barnard Castle answer the question.
Divorced parents have asked the question that was thrown into the mix by the current coronavirus pandemic – do children have the right to see both parents while social distancing?
The answer is yes, although parents must be wise to the current guidelines to ensure safety for their families.
Following guidance from the government, it has been clarified that children under the age of 18 years do have the right to see both parents so any concerns about non-essential travel provides for this to be excluded.
Therefore, parties who have arrangements either between themselves or under the terms of a child arrangements order should still adhere to such arrangements but with a view to taking extra care per the government guidelines.
Wendy Beacom, head of TBI’s Private Family Law department, answers:
“I have already experienced many enquiries from clients about the same subject. Some parents are reviewing their own working arrangements so as to minimise the amount of handovers particularly where children are not currently in school where pickups/drop-offs take place, rather than from parents’ homes.
“Without doubt this is a very uncertain time and where parents can work together for the benefit of the children, the courts would certainly advocate that rather than the court having to review arrangements even with a court order in place.
“If either myself or one of the members of my team can be of assistance at this difficult time or any other, please do not hesitate to contact us.”
Speak to a divorce lawyer online by calling Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors on 01833 830326 or make a legal enquiry online to discuss divorce and other family law matters.
