Contact Orders & Coronavirus Isolation

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many separated couples with children may be asking themselves the question:

“Should I make my child available for contact when either I am, the other parent or the child is in isolation for symptoms of the coronavirus?”

Below, we have provided some advice in relation to contact orders and coronavirus isolation.

Contact orders and coronavirus isolation

COVID 19 is known to be highly contagious and the Government is taking active steps to try and prevent the spread of this virulent illness. Boris Johnson said we can turn the tide against the coronavirus in the next 12 weeks but only if we follow Government advice.

Therefore, even though you may have a Court order to say where your child lives and the time they must spend with the other parent, it is crucial that you abide by the Government guidelines and not place either you, the other parent, the child or anyone with whom you come into contact at risk of infection.

If you are being put under pressure to make a child available to spend time with the other parent going against those guidelines then it is essential that you take independent legal advice as this is something your solicitor can help you with.

You should not allow yourself to be placed under pressure and your solicitor will protect you from this.

Each case will depend on its own individual facts and there may be other special circumstances to be taken into consideration, such as whether you fall within one of the vulnerable categories or you are living with elderly parents.