The key message is that “where Coronavirus restrictions cause the letter of a court order to be varied, the spirit of the order should be delivered by making safe alternative arrangements for the child”.
We advise that the same approach is adopted by parents with informal child arrangements. If a child is unable to have direct contact with a parent during this time, they are likely to worry about that parent, so it is important to maintain or establish indirect contact where possible. This could take the form of video or phone calls as well as letters and email, you could also explore apps that enable the other parent to play with the child, do interactive homework or read stories.
The Rt. Hon. Sir Andrew McFarlane’s specific advice follows:
“This short statement is intended to offer advice but, as the circumstances of each child and family will differ, any advice can only be in the most general form.
The full statement can be found here: www.judiciary.uk/announcements
For further advice please read our next blog: Co-parenting During The Coronavirus Crisis: Your Questions Answered
If you require urgent advice from a Solicitor on Child Arrangements, Louise Allard or Sabrina Bailey can be contacted directly.
Louise Allard: | +44 (0)7507 343411 | louise@allardbailey.com |
Sabrina Bailey: | +44 (0)7507 343443 | sabrina@allardbailey.com |
Filed Under: Insight