The Government's announcement on Monday 23 March 2020 confirming that the UK is now on ‘lockdown’ means many separated parents might be concerned about whether they can continue to have contact with their children during this time.
The rules stipulate you should only leave your home for the following reasons: - to exercise once a day, for medical purposes, to collect essential shopping and to go to work if absolutely necessary. Except for these reasons, we have been urged to stay at home.
However, MP Michael Gove confirmed that children under the age of 18 can continue to see both parents during the lockdown, so long as there is minimal social contact and the children are not self-isolating. It is unclear whether the same approach is to be adopted by the Scottish Government. Last week Scottish Sheriff Courts were advising parents to have a ‘common sense’ approach to contact, demonstrating that parents are being asked to consider what would be appropriate in the current circumstances, to ensure the children’s welfare and wellbeing.
In situations where contact can continue, parents should consider and discuss exactly how handovers will take place, to ensure the children’s safety, and their own safety, is protected as much as possible.
Unfortunately, if the children or someone in their household become unwell, they are required to self-isolate for 14 days and then contact cannot take place.
If you have any queries about your specific situation you can contact a family law solicitor who will be able to ensure any contact arrangements continue to operate, so long as it remains in the children’s best interests and the safety of everyone involved is protected.
If you have any questions, you can contact Nina Taylor, Partner in Family Law or another member of our team.
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