Can Divorced or Separated parents keep seeing their children during “lockdown” even if they live in different houses?
The simple answer is yes.
The current government guidance on staying at home says” Where parents do not live in the same household children under 18 can be moved between their parents’ homes.
Court orders made pursuant to the Children Act 1989 must be complied with unless there are serious child welfare concerns when, in such circumstances urgent legal advice should be taken before taking any step to stop contact. Emergency court applications can still be made, although any hearing is going to be held via Skype or telephone.
The caveat is of course the guidance on the need to isolate due to a member of the household becoming ill with, or starting to display symptoms, of Covid-19.
For separated parents, more information can be found on a briefing paper from the House of Commons Library. This paper contains a number of frequently asked questions for separated families, which should provide you with some reassurance around contact with children in your care.
If you need urgent advice either legal or practical, please do call one of the GA Family team on 01752 203500 or visit our website at www.gasolicitors.com for direct dial contact numbers.