Visitation concerns in Michigan during the Coronavirus pandemic

In the past couple of months the world as we knew it virtually came to a standstill as the rapid-fire COVID virus continues to run roughshod over our economic, family, and social ways of life. Grocery stores see people lined up in droves only to find empty shelves, schools are closed, sporting events cancelled, hospitals are overrun, even the Olympics is postponed.

It’s a different way of life and its present challenges make it even more difficult for families separated by divorce. In the best of times, contentious relationships between parents can fuel anxiety, depression, loneliness, and other emotional struggles in children, especially when they are bounced back and forth between households. Childcare, custody issues, and visitation are critical issues that must be resolved in order for both parents to have fair and equitable time with their children. In regard to visitation, the current medical crisis can add even more adversity to maintaining a semblance of normalcy in the midst of a Michigan divorce scenario. What are some of the prevalent visitation concerns parents should be aware of?

Changes in schedule

Everything is in flux these days and we have all been forced to adapt to (or at least accept) radical changes in customary habits and daily schedules. In Michigan divorce cases involving parents with children, visitation parameters are decided by the courts, or a predetermined parental agreement, that clearly outline visitation schedules that are fair to both parents and based upon the best interests of the child. This schedule remains in place and must be adhered to unless external circumstances decree otherwise. While it is difficult for a parent to part with assigned parenting time, the COVID virus is certainly an external influence and may result in a change in visitation. Let’s look at some concerns during this trying time.

Coronavirus effects on visitation

While Michigan law recognizes a change in circumstances regarding visitation, the appearance alone of a virus such as this is not grounds to alter an assigned schedule. The fallout of such an even, however, turns the tables. With such a sweeping closure of employers, schools, airports, and travel challenges simply to obtain food; parents may be able to request a modification to visitation time.

For example, with many temporary or permanent job layoffs and school closures unexpectedly reuniting families, judges can review each parent’s ability and capacity to support their child’s best interests in terms of access to education.

In light of stay-at-home orders throughout the state, typical schedules are uprooted and some parents might use this as fuel to keep their child from seeing the other parent as much as they are allowed. With court offices closed as well, filing claims is all but impossible and could become grounds for a court-ordered amendment.

Other concerns take on more serious guises in light of potential cases of abuse or other instances of neglectful parenting. Parents in these types of situations should attempt to gather sufficient evidence to warrant visitation change.

If you are unsure about these or any other visitation matters during the COVID outbreak, consult with a family law expert immediately.