04/09/2020
After addressing a dozen or more cases involving parents (divorced) who have concerns over their child or children visiting the other parent during this crisis, let me give a few pointers:
a) If you have true concerns about your child(ren) and exposure to the virus at the other parent's home, send a text, email, etc., to the other parent (or call) and give that parent all the details outlining your issues and concerns. Again, make sure to include all of the details and all your concerns. Do not assume the other parent knows what you know.
b) Make a very specific request from the other parent. Try and limit the time frame you are discussing. DO NOT request that custodial periods with the other parent cease for months. Take it a few weeks at a time. DO NOT demand the other parent follow your directives or issue ultimatums. If you do, a "wall" will go up and communication will either come to an abrupt halt or possibly deteriorate into name calling.
c) Allow the other parent time to digest your info and requests, and respond.
d) Offer reasonable accommodations to the other parent. Suggest daily communications with the child(ren) via Skype, Facetime, etc. Send info, photos, etc., to the other parent informing them of the activities, events, etc., the child(ren) are engaged in each day. Discuss "make-up" time, or additional more time during the holidays. Make sure the child(ren) stay in daily contact with the other parent. If the other parent agrees to your request, you should be the one to assure the children are in contact with their other parent.
e) If you are the parent that is in job that may cause the child(ren) additional exposure to the virus, think of your child(ren). Losing a few days or weeks with your child(ren) over their lifetime will not make any difference in the long term.
f) Just because your other spouse is a nurse, doctor, or other health care professional does not automatically create additional exposure. Simply being "out and about" and running daily errands may put you at more exposure than someone in the medical field.
g) Above all else, be thoughtful of your child(ren) and the other parent.
h) This would also apply to non-parents (i.e., grandparents, third parties, etc.) who have custody of minor children.
i) If a conflict arises contact your attorney immediately. Do not wait for the situation to get out of hand.