Co-Parenting During the Pandemic

During the Pandemic Co-Parenting can potentially have some challenges however it is necessary to follow all prior existing orders:
Custody Orders During COVID-19. On Friday, March 27th, the Maryland Judiciary issued a statement that: “All court orders for a child’s custody, parenting time, and child support are still in effect.” … credible risk of imminent and substantial physical or emotional harm to a child or parent.”
The provision relating to credible risk of imminent and substantial physical or emotional harm can be interpreted as follows:
1. A child has been abused abandoned or neglected as defined by Family Law Code Title 5, Subtitle 7 (2017).
2. A child has been exposed to a life-threatening medical condition that requires immediate medical attention and a parent has refused to provide the child with necessary medical attention. Medical neglect is defined as a parent’s failure to provide adequate medical or dental care for their child, especially when it is needed to treat a serious physical injury or illness. In some cases, this can also include a failure to provide for psychiatric care if the child needs it.
3. A parent is suffering from mental health or psychological issues that could place a child in substantial physical or emotional harm. An example of this would be a parenting experiencing a psychotic episode that could cause the child harm.
4. A parent’s refusal to provide a child with the necessities of food clothing or shelter. Criminal Law § 3-602.1 – Neglect of a minor *

• If either parent tests positive or is exposed to COVID-19 altering an existing court order to keep a child safe and healthy.
• Exchanging children during COVID-19 may require adjusting the current pick up and drop off provisions of the order.
• Daycare arrangements for children may require changing of an existing order to accommodate the children who may spend more time with either parent.
• Medical Insurance for family members should be current to insure access to medical treatment and testing for purposes of immunizations, medications and COVID related interventions.

*All states, the District of Columbia, and territories have vaccination requirements for children attending childcare facilities and schools. These vaccination requirements are important tools for maintaining high vaccination coverage and low rates of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Exemptions from vaccination requirements may apply for some children.

COVID RESOURCES FOR PARENTS: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/cloth-face-cover.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/reopening-schools-faqs.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/decision-tool.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/index.html
https://www.parents.com/health/all-about-coronavirus-a-concerned-parents-guide/