Co-Parenting and Remote Learning
Remote Learning due to Covid-19
Many parents are starting the school year with the kids at home full-time and doing school remotely. This presents challenges for all parents and children like balancing working from home while supervising a child’s schooling. For parents who are divorced or are no longer together, it can be even more challenging. For example, parents may not be able to agree on whether to do remote learning, a hybrid, or in school. Parents who have sole decision-making for education can make that call. However, if parents with joint decision-making cannot agree, they should consult the conflict resolution provisions of their Parenting Plan as well as an attorney.
How does remote learning affect visitation/parenting time?
Remote learning may not change your parenting time schedule. But, for some families, one parent may be more available and/or able to stay home with the children. Depending on your parenting plan, it may require that the parent who can be home has the children during school times even if it is not normally his/her day. Perhaps neither parent can stay home with the children and now need to work out alternative care. Parents should consult their Parenting Plans. The next step may be mediation and, in some cases, court intervention.
What if my ex does not take remote learning seriously?
If a parent is not properly supervising and administering remote learning, there could be lasting effects on the child. The Parenting Plan may need to be modified to allow the other parent to take the lead or find another arrangement. Time is of the essence. Most parenting plans require mediation before filing in court with few exceptions. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the Court process is moving more slowly in many counties. Therefore, parents should seek legal advice on how to best proceed if they cannot work it out between them.
Contact us if you are encountering problems working with your child’s other parent during this Coronavirus pandemic. We are available to meet in person (with social distancing and masks), via telephone, or video conferencing.
Content contained on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. You should consult an attorney of your choosing to discuss your particular case and to obtain legal advice specific to your situation.
