As we head into the third (I think, not really sure) week of NJ’s social distancing quarantine, I’m sure I am not the only one trying to find some sense of normalcy. Life has been turned upside down. For families dealing with divorce or who may be recently divorce, these times are particularly trying. Job responsibilities may have changed or jobs may even have been lost. Children are home from school and parents are now assuming the role of tutor. Children are missing their social interactions and structure provided by being in school. At The Durst Firm we are experiencing these same challenges. We are here to help however we can.
Being flexible is critical to getting through these days. Accept that the old structures, the old norms, are not applicable. Life has to proceed differently now. This is not to suggest that there should be no structure or no order. But be realistic with yourself. And be realistic with your spouse or ex-spouse. Parenting time schedules may need to be adjusted to accommodate work or school functions. If a parent is working in a high risk occupation battling COVID-19 (AND WE THANK YOU) care and consideration must be given to how that parent interacts with the children. Please don’t exploit this situation and use it as a “reason’ to deny parenting time. On the flip side, if you are the “at risk”, recognize that loving your kids may mean you shouldn’t see them as often on a TEMPORARY basis. We are working with our clients who find themselves in this very situation to find alternative means of maintaining relationships with their children using technology and creating interim Orders that preserve a relationship and set the guidelines in response to this situation.
