SEPARATED parents are being urged to work together to ensure the safety of their children during the lockdown.
With children’s lives already disrupted by school and club closures, estranged couples have been seeking clarity over childcare during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Government guidance states that parents must care for their children by acting both sensibly and safely when making decisions about where, and with whom, under-18s should spend time.
Sophia Mellor, family solicitor at Leamington law firm Blythe Liggins, said parents must undertake a careful assessment of the situation together, with open communication being key.
She said: “In the current uncertain times, it can be difficult to establish whether existing or intended arrangements should continue, whether they should be altered in some way or even cancelled altogether.”
The government guidance issued alongside the lockdown announcement last month stated children under the age of 18 could be moved between their parents’ homes.
“This, of course, is based on a careful assessment, which parents must undertake together as they remain jointly responsible for their children and, therefore, must make decisions together during the current crisis and focus on the best interests and safety of their children.
“The best way to deal with difficulties is for parents to communicate with one another, discuss the worries they may have and hopefully reach good and practical solutions together, in what is undoubtedly a very tough time for everyone involved,” she said.
Parents in any doubt as to what may, or may not, be in the best interests of a child can seek advice from Blythe Liggins, by visiting www.blytheliggins.co.uk or calling 01926 831231.
