4 Tips for Co-Parenting During a Global Pandemic

 Posted on May 04, 2020 in Parenting Time

When you created your parenting plan during your divorce, it contained a lot of information. It included what you and your spouse’s parenting time schedules looked like, who your child would spend vacations and school holidays with, and how you and your spouse would settle child-related disputes. What your parenting plan likely did not contain was a game plan for co-parenting during a health crisis, such as the one the world is experiencing with COVID-19. Unprecedented situations may warrant a change in everyone’s routine, so it is important to be flexible and willing to compromise with your ex-spouse while considering your child’s best interests.

Working Together for Your Child’s Well-Being

The worldwide coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we go about our daily lives for weeks and in some places, even months. Co-parenting is not an easy task, and it can become even more difficult during a crisis because of the stress and uncertainty that family members are experiencing. Even so, here are a few things you should keep in mind while you navigate co-parenting during this challenging time:

• Try to maintain your parenting time schedule. The best thing to do is to try to stick to your normal parenting time schedule as much as possible. Even though Illinois and many other states are under stay-at-home orders, travel for court-ordered visitation is still permitted. However, you and your child’s other parent should use your discretion to determine whether or not visitation should still occur.

• Use common sense. As hinted at above, you should also use your common sense during this time. If you, your child, anyone in your household, or anyone in your ex-spouse’s household is sick or not feeling well, you may want to consider foregoing visitation temporarily to ensure that everyone's health is protected. Alternative ways of visiting may include video conferencing calls.

• Keep the lines of communication open. Successful co-parenting during any time is dependent on how well you and your ex-spouse communicate with one another. Even though it might be awkward if you split after a bitter divorce, it is imperative that you talk to your ex about your child. You should always keep your spouse up to date on how your child is feeling and what your plans are for keeping him or her safe.

• Be flexible. You should try to be as cooperative as possible with your co-parent during these unprecedented times. Many parents are experiencing employment-related changes, including requirements to work from home or significant changes to work schedules. Other parents may be having difficulties transporting their children from place to place. Now is not the time to be argumentative or combative. Try to be easy-going with your former spouse and understanding of his or her situation.

Contact a Kendall County Divorce Lawyer

During a time like this, it would not be unreasonable to update your parenting plan to address the changes you are experiencing in your life. Although you should try to stick with the plan as much as possible, sometimes circumstances require a modification to parenting time schedules or other child custody issues. A knowledgeable Yorkville parenting time attorney can help you make sure your parental rights and your children's best interests are protected in any changes made to your parenting plan. Call the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C at 630-409-8184 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/blog/10-tips-coparenting-midst-covid-19-pandemic

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=075000050K602.10

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=8300000&SeqEnd=10000000