how to cope with joint custody

How to Cope With Joint Custody During a Pandemic

Navigating joint custody during a pandemic is challenging and may stretch the relationship between the parents and the child a great deal. Pandemic-induced limitations may force changes or deviation from the custody arrangement, causing more fissures in an already fragile situation.

However, with proper management and a willingness to find common ground best for the child, divorced parents can successfully manage joint custody during this trying period. 

Here are some tips on how to cope with joint custody at this time and ensure your kids feel loved and safe.

Re-Evaluate the Custody Arrangement

The first step to coping with joint custody in a pandemic is to compare the custody arrangements to the current reality. Here are some questions you should ask:

  • Is it a good idea to maintain the existing custody arrangement with the child shuttling between both parents’ homes?
  •  Will the child feel more comfortable in one parent’s home compared to the other?
  • Where does the child have the best support for homeschooling?
  • Does one parent have a public-facing job that puts the child at risk?
  • Where will the child get the biggest outdoor space for physical activity?

Asking these questions and coming up with honest answers will bring you closer to making the best choices for the child when creating a parenting plan for the pandemic.

Communicate With Your Co-Parent

Communication after divorce can be difficult, but your children need you to communicate effectively during this time of crisis. Discuss how to cope with joint custody at this time (keeping the questions above in mind) to develop a temporary arrangement that works well for your child. 

Your family lawyer can help you draft the temporary agreement. At Randle Palmer & Associates, we are Tucson’s reliable family lawyers. We can offer the right guidance to help you and your ex come to an understanding.

Stay Flexible

You have to stay flexible and make room for deviations from your agreements from time to time.

If work, health, or other personal circumstances make a parent unable to hold up their end of the agreement at any time, be ready to adapt. The child’s safety and wellbeing should always take precedence.

Be Creative

Creative methods of communication such as using video conferencing apps can allow you to spend time with your child. Similarly, both parents can work out a coordinated schedule. For instance, you can agree with your ex to bring the child over when you’re in their area for a meeting.

Your child will feel more positive even in the face of the pandemic if they see their parents working together, which can work wonders for their mental health.

Stay Healthy

You don’t want your child falling sick while they are at your place. Therefore, you need to do your best to ensure you’re healthy to protect the child.

Use Court Orders as a Last Resort

The courts want you to resolve custody conflicts amicably with your ex. However, you can speak to a lawyer about taking legal action when you’ve exhausted that avenue.

Parenting Relationship in a Pandemic

Co-parenting in a pandemic works if both of you stay dedicated to the process. If you’re unsure of how to cope with joint custody at this time or simply can’t work out an arrangement with your ex, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your family and friends can offer the help you need and some advice.

You can also learn more about divorce and children from your family lawyer. Call us today at (520) 327-1409 to discuss all your options.

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The information contained in the Randle Palmer & Associates website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax or legal advice on any subject matter. Randle Palmer & Associates provides legal advice and other services only to persons or entities with which it has established a formal attorney-client relationship.