Divorced parents have few greater concerns than the well-being of their children. That is why if you have a previously-arranged child custody agreement, you are most likely concerned about how the new coronavirus may affect it. Please read on to and reach out to our experienced New Jersey family law attorneys to learn more about how to navigate child custody in the wake of COVID-19.
What should I do if my ex lives in an area infected by the coronavirus and I do not want to drop my children off there?
First, the easiest solution to this problem is simply speaking with your former spouse, explaining your concerns about the virus, and hopefully coming to an agreement regarding a temporary change to your child custody terms to best accommodate your child. However, sometimes, this isn’t possible right away. That is why we recommend perhaps showing your former spouse reports from the CDC, World Health Organization, and otherwise regarding how potentially dangerous the virus really is in the hopes that a “facts” approach may get him/her to change his/her mind. If your former spouse still refuses to listen, we know it can be tempting to simply not take your children into an infected town, as you are only looking out for their best interest. However, this can have a significantly negative impact on your child custody terms in the future.
To avoid serious legal ramifications in this situation, contact an attorney who will file an Order to Show Cause with the New Jersey courts to schedule an emergency hearing. To have an emergency modification granted, you will have to provide the court with evidence demonstrating “immediate, inimical and irreparable harm” to your child if you leave him/her with your former spouse. Fortunately, our experienced Red Bank child custody attorney is here to help you gather and present evidence to protect the safety of you and your child.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
Our firm proudly represents clients in New Jersey who are faced with matters of family law, criminal defense, business law, real estate law, or estate planning. If you require strong and dedicated representation for any of your legal matters, please do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of George J. Mardinly to schedule a consultation.