Even with both parents living in the same home, co-parenting during COVID 19 has been a big challenge. Now consider co-parenting during a separation or divorce. This process is even harder. But you will get through it, and I’m here to help!
Divorcing parents may disagree on discipline, nutrition, medical treatment, visitation schedules, whether to home school or not, and now which parent is better qualified to provide virtual learning. But now more than ever cooperation between divorcing/divorced parents and finding smart problem-solving techniques are necessary to provide security and safety for your children.
Although the pandemic has added additional stress to co-parenting for divorced/divorcing couples, it has also provided an opportunity for parents to come together and work in the best interests of their children.
I have seen parents overcome their personal issues with each other and work together to find safe and healthy solutions for their children. If you are thinking of divorce or already divorced, you can find solutions too!
It is important for you to ask yourself what can we do together to keep our children safe?
Let me help you find some solutions. As a seasoned divorce attorney/mediator and mom myself, I have guided and helped couples for over 35 years create parenting agreements detailing the plans and responsibilities of both parents.
To address some of the challenges unique to your children surviving safely during the COVID 19 pandemic, I recommend the following for discussion:
- If virtual home schooling is being considered for your child, which parent is better equipped to oversee and handle this process?
- Is it advisable to have the child go back and forth between homes?
- Which parent’s home is better equipped to accommodate virtual learning for your child? Has a computer, internet access, etc.?
- Are there other people living in your spouse’s home who can present more risk to your child of contact outside the family bubble you have created?
- Is there exposure to a high-risk family member who may be immunocompromised?
- What plans have you made if your child gets sick while with the other parent? What agreements have you made about treatment?
These are just a few points to discuss. There are many more. If I can help you with this discussion and to develop a parenting agreement specific to the needs of your family, call me. I am skilled at creating parent agreements that are detailed and specific to meet the requirements of these difficult COVID times.
If you already have an agreement and need to alter the agreement, we can do that too.
Two effective tips to paving the path to parental civility during these uncertain times are communication and thoughtfulness. Respond to calls, texts, and emails promptly if your spouse inquires about the children. Set up some virtual meetings between your spouse and child –even if not “scheduled.”
Remember, everyone is having trouble finding answers and adapting during this pandemic.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to consider trying to work together with your spouse even if you are considering divorce or in the middle of one. Your children are your most precious gift.
They deserve only the best from both of you!
During the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic all of our FREE CONSULTATIONS are conveniently conducted virtually to reduce risk and maintain safety.
I look forward to helping you and your family find a healthy path as your children return to school.
Stay Healthy and Safe!
Warm regards,
Lois
New York divorce attorney Lois Brenner still has some appointments available this week.
Please call to schedule your FREE consultation now.
Call 212.734.1551