Only a few days after posting our previous Blog, "Coronavirus poses dilemma for parents sharing care", last night’s Government announcement imposing stricter rules curbing movement in the midst of the Covid-19 outbreak raised further questions about how these restrictions affect residential Contact with children.
Once again, our team have had enquiries about how these new measures affect Contact with children. We have also noticed a great deal of discussion about these issues across social media and broadcast media more generally.
The Government has clarified the situation but we are aware of a number of contradictory reports still circulating.
Up to date Government guidance can be found here>>
The guidance is that we should all stay at home, and only leave the house for the following reasons
- Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, as infrequently as possible.
- One form of exercise a day, alone or with members of your household
- Any medical need, or to care for or help a vulnerable person
- Travelling to and from work, but only where this work absolutely cannot be done from home
Crucially, Government advice is that where parents do not live in the same household, children under 18 can be moved between their parents’ homes, unless they need to self isolate.
However, it of course remains open to parents who share care to come to their own arrangements about how Contact will take place at this challenging time. These are matters our team can assist with.
As outlined in our last Blog, parents might, for example, be able to agree that Contact changes in the short term.
This might mean that direct Contact is still agreed, but only at or close to a residential parent’s home, or perhaps agreeing that overnight Contact be stopped at the moment.
It might possible in these circumstances for parents to agree that Contact reduced as a result of these difficult times will be increased once the crisis is over.
However, if your child is unwell with Coronavirus, or they or someone in their household is affected by symptoms which mean they need to self isolate, then they should remain where they are at the moment.
Creative Contact
Again, we would continue to encourage parents where possible to be creative about ways in which children can maintain relationships with their family members, such as non-resident parents or grandparents.
In these challenging times, our team can assist you to find both legal and practical solutions to new and developing family situations. Please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team to discuss these issues in more detail, or if you require advice specific to your circumstances.
If you require advice on any of the issues raised please contact any member of the Thorntons Family Law team on 03330 430150