The holidays are a notoriously tough time for split families. There are so many expectations for the holidays. Holidays are sold to us as times when everyone is together with loved ones, we have a great time, and we enjoy holiday memories we cherish forever. Unfortunately, this is not true for even the most functional families. Add to the mix a nationwide pandemic of a highly contagious virus that could be lethal, especially to older family members.

What should your family do this year for the holidays? Stay home or celebrate outside (weather permitting), if you want to play it safe, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He warns us holiday celebrations could increase infections and suggests we skip any big Thanksgiving plans, according to USA Today. He said large gatherings of out-of-town people indoors should be avoided. The COVID-19 outlook won’t get better through fall and winter either.

COVID-19 Disagreements, Conflicts, and Compromises

Everyone’s views vary on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. One parent may be very concerned about it. The other may feel the infection’s threat is overblown. Problems can arise when children are caught in the middle.
The kids may live during the week with the parent worried about their health. The holiday schedule shows Thanksgiving with the parent who hates the thought of wearing a mask and is planning a traditional, big family get together. The kids freak out at the thought of being in tight quarters with so many people or may be eager to spend time with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins they haven’t seen in months.

The parents’ disagreements could be magnified in this situation. Their approaches to the infection may be another very large brick in the wall between them. This situation involves two critical issues when custody is shared: parental time and the children’s health.

The parents need to work out a compromise, or the concerned parent may seek emergency judicial help in the interests of protecting the children’s health. The other parent could see that his or her parental time is being infringed and the custody order should be enforced.

• Could the get together be changed?
• Can it be shortened?
• Could a big family day-long event plus a sleepover become just an afternoon event?
• How much time could be spent outdoors?
• Could the parents trade time with the kids? Might holidays during the pandemic be swapped for those next year, presumably when a vaccine could be available?

Take the Next Step

Speak with a skilled attorney at Kingston Law Group for advice and/or legal representation. Do you have questions about family law, the holidays, the pandemic, or any related concerns? Please contact our office to arrange a near-term reduced fee initial consultation. You can contact us online or call 609-683-7400. We will arrange a consultation on Zoom, phone, or in-person – via safe, socially distanced, masked means. We accept credit cards and offer appointments from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, plus evening appointments during the week by pre-arrangement only. Call today. You will be glad you did.