The advice given in this article is correct as of 26th March 2020. The situation with Coronavirus is developing rapidly, so please do check our COVID-19 Insights Hub for the latest updates.
Given the unprecedented circumstances we all find ourselves in, it’s a worrying time for everyone, particularly families. As the situation is so fast moving it is important to keep abreast of government advice to ensure that we all stay safe.
One frequently asked question we’ve been hearing from clients is about the impact on child arrangements and maintaining links between the children of separated families. Michael Gove MP gave conflicting advice which was then helpfully clarified – that children who spend time with their separated parents may continue to. This is of course welcome news for all of those affected parents and children and parents will be reassured to hear that the children can continue to spend time with them.
Whilst of course travel and holiday plans are having to be curtailed, it is also very worthwhile thinking of the ways in which indirect contact arrangements can be utilised to encourage contact between children and their non resident parent, to complement direct contact, particularly for those families separated by great distance.
Here are some ideas to consider: write emails; WhatsApp; FaceTime and Skype or other video calls; send videos – maybe even stories or messages sending best wishes.
These are just some of the ways that people can stay in touch with one another, and for those tech-savvy children and parents, a really great way of sharing experiences even whilst in isolation and apart.