Can the Coronavirus affect custodial rights? How Divorce and Parenting Time may be impacted.

If you currently have a custody or placement order, that order remains in effect. It trumps the Safer at Home order. This is because travel to transport your children under a custody order is considered “essential travel”. Thus, you cannot disregard the order unless there are circumstances where you cannot keep up with the order. In this case, you must do your best to communicate with your partner and come up with solutions that will work for you both.

How to Co-parent during the Coronavirus pandemic

Communication and co-operation are very important during this period. You must do your best to be open with the other parent and work as a team. Talk through your concerns with a mind that is open to new arrangements. Reduce fault-finding and focus on the bigger picture – getting your family through the pandemic. Both of you should work together to come up with custody arrangements that will accommodate the concerns and interests of you both.

Can I expect divorce rates to rise after coronavirus?

The short answer to this is Yes.You can expect divorce rates to rise after coronavirus. Divorce lawyers have identified their peak times as periods after long exposure during the summer and Christmas holidays. This is because, in relationships where problems already exist, more time spent in self-isolation increases the chances of those problems putting more strain on the relationships. The pandemic also brings with it feelings of uncertainty around money, employment, and health. These uncertainties, in addition to the preexisting strain, are bound to create a ‘pressure cooker waiting to blow’ situation.

Can I proceed with a divorce if a stay at home order is in effect?

The general answer is Yes, you can proceed with a divorce if a stay at home order is in effect. However, the specific details of your circumstances are important. If you are yet to file for the divorce and currently living with your spouse, you may need to consider the timing of the filing. If you had started the divorce process before the stay at home order, it will proceed, albeit a bit slower during the stay at home period. You will need the services of a family law attorney in your area that can help you understand your situation better and give you more specific legal advice.

Should my Custody Order be Temporarily Adjusted During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Your custody order does not have to be adjusted during the coronavirus pandemic – unless there is a serious need to do so. This is because while there is a stay at home order in place, your custody trumps the stay-at-home order. Therefore, adjusting your custody order may be frowned on by the courts – except in extenuating circumstances. In these circumstances, it is important to get your ex-spouse on the same page as you. It is also important to document whatever concessions and changes you make and keep hard copies of them.

Will I be Able to Meet With my Divorce Attorney During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

At the law office of John F. Zeckel, we will be happy to meet with you during the coronavirus pandemic. We understand how extremely important it is to have a relationship with you that is built on trust. We also understand that you may need to discuss some sensitive issues with us and that it is easier to do so in person. However, to make a physical meet work, please understand that we would have to screen you to determine any risk of exposure to COVID-19. We will also have your attorney screened to limit your chances of exposure too.

Facing Child Custody Concerns During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Child custody concerns during the coronavirus pandemic are understandable. With the need to maintain a high level of hygiene and social distancing, the logistics of child custody can be a difficulty. The desire to keep your child where you are sure is safe is almost overwhelming. However, you have to be careful not to deny the other parent their fair share of time with the children. Discussing things with your ex-spouse and working as a team to come up with solutions that work for you is guaranteed to help make things easier.

How Can I Keep My Child Safer With a Co-Parent in the Medical Field During COVID-19?

First off, you need to understand the COVID-19 pandemic should not be used as a weapon to restrict your ex-spouse’s access to the children. However, you and your medical field ex need to agree that the child cannot spend time with them for the time being. You can both work together to keep communications between the child and parent open through virtual relations. The child can have share phone calls, texts, and emails with the parent. Also, you can schedule video calls with the medical parent so that some form of face time is accomplished.

Does a Lockdown or Stay-At-Home Order Affect My Custody/Possession Schedule?

No, a lockdown or stay-at-home order cannot affect your custody or possession schedule. You and your ex-spouse are expected to keep the schedules outlined in your custody agreement. However, the custody agreements had been drafted in a time that was coronavirus-free. With the pandemic whipping across the globe, you and your ex are expected to work together and come with scenarios that would ensure the safety of everyone, while allowing each parent have as much time with the children as possible. Be sure to document whatever changes you both agreed to.

What If the Other Parent Is in Another State? Can I Still Exercise Time With the Kids?

Having your child travel across state lines to go and see your ex-spouse can be a bit difficult in these times. However, as most courts state that the possession schedule should not change, COVID-19 notwithstanding, you have to be innovative about this. If the child would have normally taken a flight to see your ex, you might consider driving down to exchange custody. If the other parent is in a state where the entry has been restricted, you can consider having the child spend virtual time with the other parent for this period.

Divorce Attorney Menomonee Falls | Law Office of John F. Zeckel

Name: Law Office of John F. Zeckel, S.C.
Address: N88W16551 Main St, Menomonee Falls, WI, 53051, US
Telephone: (262) 255-2050
Price range: $0

Accomplished Divorce Attorney Representing Menomonee Falls Family Law Clients

couple in the midst of a divorce None of us enters into marriage with the intention of someday filing for divorce, but for some couples divorce is the best option moving forward. If you have come to this conclusion, you will need the representation of an experienced and strategic family law attorney. Principal attorney John F. Zeckel has over 30 years of experience helping people just like you navigate the Wisconsin legal system and obtain the results they want from their divorce. He can do the same for you, too.

Preparing for Wisconsin Divorce

There are several complex legal issues which need to be analyzed before you file for divorce. These include legal custody and placement of your children, debt and property division, as well as child and spousal support. Ensuring you have accurately assessed your assets, circumstances, and goals with a trusted attorney at the start will most certainly save you a great deal of stress down the road.

Our Comprehensive Divorce Services

We are intimately acquainted with the divorce process and understand that it is oftentimes fraught with emotional turmoil. We will take the time and care necessary to provide a clear picture of the issues involved and will explore all possible paths forward to attain your specific goals. We provide counsel for the following and more:

Divorce
Simple & unconditional divorce
Contested & uncontested divorce
Complex & high asset divorce
Legal separation
Child placement & custody
Property & debt division
Settlement agreements
Prenuptial agreements
Postnuptial agreements
Alimony, maintenance & child support agreements & modifications
Protection from abuse
Relocation of children
Grandparent rights

When Experience Matters

In today’s day and age, divorce is no longer an uncommon or shameful fate for many couples that marry. However, there are many legal professionals out there that do not spend the time to carefully listen, advise, and formulate specific strategies for meeting your expectations. At The Law Office of John F. Zeckel, S.C., we devote the highest level of attention to detail possible to each and every divorce case.

The Law Office of John F. Zeckel, S.C. provides trusted and effective legal counsel to individuals in Menomonee Falls, Waukesha County, Washington County, and throughout southeastern Wisconsin in divorce cases. Contact our law firm today at (262) 255-2050 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney.