During these trying times, more and more news sources are erupting with all kinds of information, and it can be overwhelming to keep up with. One thing remains true, however, as the United States has ordered civilians to practice social distancing as much as possible and to stray from gathering in mass groups. This can become quite complex for blended families to work around. Some parents are becoming concerned regarding their visitation rights with their children. Thankfully, the Supreme Court released some guidelines to help parents understand where they are at with access to children. We discuss these regulations.
Visitation: Allowed with Precaution
The Supreme Court released a mandate that states that are custody orders have not changed and visitation rights remain in effect. For parents, this means that they are still permitted to visit and see their children despite the mandatory social isolation. Although, officials are highly advising parents and children to stay out of the public as much as possible that way the risk of infection is reduced between the commutes children take back and forth to see their parents.
Abiding by Custody Orders
Much like visitation rights are still in effect, parents are still expected to abide by their custody orders. COVID-19 does not grant parents with exceptions regarding their child custody and visitation rights. Court systems are making it especially clear that disobeying these orders will not be tolerated and legal action will be carried out just the same when custody is violated. If you attain legitimate concerns regarding the safety and health of your child, it is advised that you attempt to communicate with the parent to discuss what you can both do in order to reduce the likelihood of infection.
Custody Rights: Subject to Change for Precautious Matters
In the instance that your child becomes infected with COVID-19, is being quarantined, and is being treated in a medical facility, parents will not be able to visit. In-person visits have been postponed within hospitals, and the same applies to both parents if their children become ill. If a parent becomes infected with COVID-19 and is being quarantined and treated in a medical facility, child visitation may be placed on hold in order to prevent other family members and the other parent from becoming infected or from spreading the virus.
Allow Us to Guide You, In The Best and Worst of Times
We understand how difficult it can be to make sense of the laws surrounding the COVID-19 epidemic. Contact Kecskes, Gadd, & Parker, PC if you have any questions regarding your child custody rights and more.
