How to Develop of Plan for COVID-19 for Separated Parents:

March 23, 2020
McMahon Law Group

Article written by Family Law Section of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association.

If you are engaged in a high conflict separation, consider asking your attorney to reach out to the opposing counsel or party to first engage in these discussions.

    • First agree on a method for communication i.e. e-mail, talking parents, OFW, texting, or phone contact.
      • Connect with other parent to create a plan for discussion of the virus with the children; Consider having a separate discussion with young children in order to use language they can understand and to address specific fears or misconceptions they may have.
      • Agree to reassure kids they’re safe in both homes;
      • Reach a consensus on how to explain to children in an age appropriate manner what COVID-19 is using science based facts: (https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html
      • Revisit handwashing techniques: pick a song to sing in both households while hand washing for at least 20 seconds. Continuity is Key!
      • Discuss physical contact and create a unified position on alternatives to hugs, handshakes, and other social contact (waving, elbow bumping, namaste); Discuss not touching faces and how to cover your mouth when coughing.
      • Agree to pause all group activities and have a joint statement to explain to the children regarding these activities; 
      • Agree on one parent to be the liaison to check in with your children’s school about potential homeschool and distance learning opportunities that may be offered during a school closure. Also, if your child receives additional services at school, ask how these will be handled during a closure (e.g., meals, therapeutic services). Share this information between households and reach a consensus on how these will fit into your plan.  Immediately share any information related to school or work closures with the other parent.
      • Agree to let children discuss worries openly with both parents- but have a joint plan for addressing these concerns and offering reassurance; Agree that if any child wants to contact the other parent at any time that they may for comfort;
      • Limit exposure to news on television, radio, etc.
      • Reach an agreement related to school or daycare attendance.
  • Make a plan together for the event of possible exposure- write this plan down and confirm agreement in writing.
      • If either parent believes they have been exposed, they will identify to the other parent immediately and contact medical professionals for advisement. Any subsequent testing results shall be shared with the other parent.
      • If either parent or child experiences symptoms (Fever, Chills, Upper Respiratory) child exchanges will pause with the children where they are to avoid spread until testing occurs or the parent is no longer exhibiting symptoms (minimum of 48 hour pause).
      • Determine which health professional will be called if the child exhibits symptoms. Do not go to medical facilities without contacting first. The parent currently with the child will accommodate testing and any other directives issued by health professionals.  If testing is negative for COVID-19 exchanges shall resume.
      • If either parent or either child is exposed, the other parent will isolate in accordance with the CDC recommendations and the directives of all medical or state health departments.
      • Agree that all areas of conflict will be avoided during this period; this includes issues related to any active litigation. 
      • Plan contact in the event of isolation- skype, facetime, etc. Create a schedule and a method.  If possible, provide the child with a method they can utilize without parental assistance to give the child free opportunity to reach out to either parent for reassurance, i.e. iPad, tablet.
  • Address Home Care.
    • Agree that in the event of isolation both parents will cooperate to ensure the children have access to items such as stuffed animals, blankets, or other comfort items where they are isolated.  Create a plan for no-contact drop off (trash bags on porches, etc.)
    • Communicate resource needs for the children openly i.e. tissues, toilet paper, medicine, hydration, etc.  Work together to mesh resources (without contact) to ensure proper home care and continuity of any other healthcare need the child has.
    • If your child takes medication for a chronic condition, talk with your child’s medical provider about plans to get a supply at home that will last through any period of home isolation for your family.
    • Agree to Keep your family’s schedule consistent when it comes to bedtimes, meals, and exercise.
    • Make time to do things at home that have made you and your family feel better in other stressful situations, such as reading, watching movies, listening to music, playing games, exercising, or engaging in religious activities (prayer, participating in services on the Internet).
    • Have children participate in distance learning opportunities that may be offered by their schools or other institutions/organizations.
    • Recognize that feelings such as loneliness, boredom, fear of contracting disease, anxiety, stress, and panic are normal reactions to a stressful situation such as a disease outbreak. Reassure children rather than weaponize these feelings against the other parent.
    • Help your family engage in fun and meaningful activities consistent with your family and cultural values.

 

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Legal issues of any type can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, and certainly something you don’t want to face alone. Attorney Jacque McMahon and the McMahon Law Group will work closely with you to ensure you not only get the best legal representation possible, but that you are well-informed throughout the process. If you are facing legal issues, please contact us to discuss your situation and get the help you need.

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