In relation to family law matters, parents and carers are understandably concerned about the safety of their children and how COVID-19 will impact their lives. During these unprecedented times, a parent or carer’s ability to comply with parenting orders may become difficult and there could be uncertainty regarding what is expected of parents and carers by the court.
Although Covid-19 restrictions can pose difficulties in relation to parenting arrangements, it is still expected that parents and carers continue to comply with court orders, consistent with their responsibility to act in their child’s best interests and to ensure their child’s safety and wellbeing.
Parents and carers may be faced with situations that make strict compliance with current court orders difficult, if not impossible. If parenting arrangements become unclear or cannot be met as a result of quarantine, travel restrictions or school closures, a commonsense approach can provide solutions to these problems.
The Family Court of Australia has issued general guidelines for families in relation to parenting orders and Covid-19. The Chief Justice of the Family Court recommends that in order to overcome the issues posed by Covid-19, parties should communicate with each other about their ability to comply with current orders and attempt to find a practical solution to these difficulties. Each parent should consider the safety and best interests of the child but should also appreciate the concerns of the other parent when attempting to reach new or revised arrangements.
For more practical advice in relation to parenting arrangements see:
http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/about/news/mr260320
Or contact our office to see how we can help.
