24 Mar Child arrangements on lockdown – what is the official advice for separated parents?
Now that most of the United Kingdom is isolating, lots of new questions are arising from families concerned as to how this will impact their lives.
One pressing question is from parents who live separately and share child arrangements. Cabinet minister Michael Gove was forced to clarify the Government’s coronavirus travel restriction after suggesting that children with parents who live apart should not travel between their parents homes.
Mr Gove stated this morning, “Children should stay in the household that they are currently in, we should not have children moving between households.” He went on to state that contact could be made with the other parent through social media and other technology.
However, Mr Gove was later forced to provide clarity on his comment as this contradicted the Government’s advice.
To clarify, Mr Gove later tweeted: “To confirm – while children should not normally be moving between households, we recognise that this may be necessary when children who are under 18 move between separated parents. This is permissible and has been made clear in the guidance.”
The official Government coronavirus guidance states: “Where parents do not live in the same household, children under 18 can be moved between their parents’ homes.”
Although this is permissible, it is important to minimise the time spent outside the home and to ensure that you are two metres apart from anyone outside your household.
If you are worried about your child arrangements or need legal advice, please reach out and contact us to provide you with legal and emotional support at this uncertain time.
Email info@hrjforemanlaws.co.uk or call Hitchin 01462 458711, Welwyn Garden City 01707 887700.
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