Maybe you have already filed for divorce or maybe you are still in the process. You have worked out an arrangement you both can live with concerning visitations. Good for you. However, you need to remember that under the best of situations, visitations cause major problems in divorced families. Once your divorce agreement has been decided, it is very important that each of you follow it to the letter.
Enter Pandemic
We would all like to think we are reasonable adults when it comes to the well-being of our children. We are under the instruction of our town leaders to keep our children in our home during this time in the pandemic. We are taking all the steps possible to limit exposure to germs including the wearing of a mask, deep cleaning of their toys, and the use of anti-bacterial wipes.
Our ex-spouse does not feel these steps are necessary. They feel the children need to be on the playground with other children. They believe the pandemic is being “exaggerated” by the media.
Your divorce says the children spend 4 days per week with you and 3 days per week with them.
Common Sense?
You are not the first parent who has read something like this and thought they would just keep the children home, for their health. However, most judges frown on changing visitation rights. You can pay your attorney to fight this cause.
Before this blows up in your faces, try to find some common ground. Now is the time to put down the boxing gloves and try to reason with each other. Don’t get lost in the battle of what is media-hype, how bad the pandemic is, and who is to blame. Instead, agree to disagree and go to ways you can solve this problem. You may have to get creative, but you can do it.
Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio
Ideas
Here are a few ideas that can get you started. Keep your eye on the goal. The goal is to let everyone spend time with the child without exposing them to the virus.
(Note: Be sure you speak to your attorney before making any changes)
- Agree to Skype visits or IPhone visits each night. This can include storybook time, watching a movie together, or playing various games.
- Let the parent have their visit to your home a couple of days per week. Let them have the run of the house while you busy yourself in another room.
- Agree to meet the spouse with the child at a playground early in the day while it is less crowded. That way you can ensure their mask is worn and their hands are cleaned when they are finished.
Offer to keep up with the number of days they missed and when the pandemic is over schedule a vacation to make them up. Be sure to record all of the arrangements.
You’re The Parent
At the end of the day, you are the parent. You must do what you must do. We are not giving you any advice to change the visitation of your divorce. This is very serious. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. We are suggesting that you open a dialog with your ex and you try to work things out like adults. At the end of the day, your child is the most important person in this situation. Again, keep good records and be sure to talk to your attorney. You have to protect your child, and you need to protect yourself as well.
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