I’m Keith Spencer, a board-certified family law attorney with Bailey and Galyen.
As the pandemic continues to grip our country, many parents are confused about how to handle the constant changes that were never contemplated in their custody agreements and court orders. For example, when exchanges take place at the end of the school day, what happens when the kids go to virtual school instead of the school buildings?
To assist parents, most courts have issued pandemic guidelines to answer some of these issues.
In general, the courts say to follow the same schedules as before the pandemic. Utilize school calendars as if school is being attended. Follow all the previous orders of the courts. You cannot discontinue visitation with parents due to fears of COVID-19.
You can still file to modify custody and visitation agreements. However, absent a compelling emergency, there is a strong likelihood your case will be heard via zoom or some other video-conferencing platform. Hearings and trials may be somewhat delayed due to these new procedures and the backlog that has been created by the pandemic. Most importantly, talk to your attorney for up to date information from the courts.
At Bailey and Galyen, we are here to assist you with all your legal matters. Give us a call. Let us help solve your legal puzzle.
