Dealing with family arrangements during lockdown
Family Law firm Grayfords gives advice on family matters during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in drastic changes to how we live our lives. Measures brought in by the government to try and slow down the spread of the virus in the United Kingdom, have meant that, for the foreseeable future at least, family life will be very different. For divorced or separated parents, how and when they spend time with their children is something that may need to be reorganised.

Child arrangements: Flexibility is key!
The coronavirus is taking us into unchartered territory. Families are being asked to isolate at home until further notice. As a result, for the parent not living in the household, it will not be possible to visit their child during this timeframe. While this can be extremely upsetting and frustrating, it is vital that families in this position respect the lockdown and help to stop the virus spreading.

· Arrange regular video call: although it does not replace the physical presence of your child. Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom or HouseParty is a good way to fill the void while having quality time with your child.

Make preparations in advance.
Having plans in place now can help to reduce worry and stress further down the line. Neil Graham, a Partner at Grayfords comments as follows: “the key to any arrangements for children is their welfare which is always the paramount consideration. Any orders made by the Court or any arrangements agreed between parents will have been reached as a result of considering what is in their children’s best interests and how their welfare should best be served.”

Any Order made by the Court also remains in force until it is changed by a further order although the practical arrangements can always be altered from time to time by agreement between both parents. The advice of HM Government as at 25 March was that children should still be allowed to pass freely between households in order to facilitate those arrangements. Details can be sourced easily via https://www.nfm.org.uk/.
It is obviously also important that arrangements do not expose children to any harm and that the arrangements do not contradict the Government’s advice on COVID-19.

About Grayfords: Grayfords is an independent boutique firm in Central London that specialises in English and international family law. We offer a bespoke service that provides practical legal advice alongside client care with your well-being in mind.

Our family solicitors are here if you need us.
To keep you and our solicitors safe during the pandemic, we are offering Skype and telephone consultations. Get in touch today to speak to one of our family solicitors. All of us at Grayfords remain here to help, however, if formal advice is needed.

T: 020 7100 6100
F: 020 7183 9983
E: [email protected]
W: www.grayfords.co.uk