Having Custody Issues During The Pandemic? Know These 3 Things

Are you dealing with custody and child support issues during this pandemic and not sure what you can do about it? Here are a few things you need to know in order to get your custody arrangement back on track. 

Your Parenting Plan Is Enforceable No Matter What

A common problem that families are running into during the pandemic is a parent with physical custody is not allowing the other parents to have visitation rights. You need to be aware that the parenting plan that a judge signed off on is still enforceable, even during a pandemic where people are staying at home more often. The other parent cannot deny you the right to see your kids and claim that the reason is to social distance. You can still see your kids, even if the state of the world is not ideal. 

You May Need To Modify The Custody Agreement

If your old arrangement is not working in the same way as it did before the pandemic, know that it may be time to modify the custody arrangement. For example, if you are working from home during the day and the kids would normally go to childcare, see if you can work out an arrangement where you can watch the kids during the day. It is a good idea to put the agreement in writing and to make sure that there is a temporary date where the agreement will expire, and then you can renew that agreement to keep everyone on the same page. If your spouse is going to give you more time with your kids, you don't necessarily have to go to court to have it approved. 

You'd only need to officially modify the custody agreement in court if the other parent had a different opinion than what you wanted to do. You could then use that written agreement as proof that the new custody arrangement was working, and you'd like it to be permanent.

You Need To Maintain Child Support Payments

Being let go from your job due to pandemic related issues is not a reason to not pay child support. If you suffered a job loss, it is up to you to reach out to the family court to modify child support payments. You will still need to make up missed payments until, so it's important that you act quickly when you suffer a financial loss.

Reach to a divorce lawyer to help you out with custody related issues.