Contact visits during the Covid 19 restrictions

There has been much confusion over the past couple of weeks in relation to child contact visits during the Covid-19 restrictions.

The Government has confirmed that where parents do not live in the same household, children under 18 can be moved between their parents’ homes.

The President of the Family Courts (Family Division) has issued advice about compliance with child arrangement orders during the current Coronavirus crisis. This states that whilst children can be moved between separated parents it does not mean that children must be moved between homes. The decision about whether a child is to move between parental homes is for the child’s parents to make in the best interests of the child after an assessment of the circumstances, including the risk of infection, the child’s present health and the presence of any recognised vulnerable individuals in one household or the other.

If you are concerned that your child has an existing health condition, you’re pregnant, or someone in your household has a health condition that makes them vulnerable to the impact of the virus, then you should follow the Public Health England medical advice.  “The key message should be that, where Coronavirus restrictions cause the letter of a court order to be varied, the spirit of the order should nevertheless be delivered by making safe alternative arrangements for the child.”

You may wish to also read the Cafcass advice on effective co-parenting during a pandemic for further guidance.

For specific assistance please feel free to contact the team at Hawkins Family Law for further details.