What if I need to attend Court about child arrangements during the Covid-19 pandemic?

The Court intends all hearings to continue to take place if at all possible by telephone.

The usual rules and standards of the Court apply. You will probably need to be patient as this is a completely new way for the Court to be conducting hearings.

Your solicitor will tell you what the arrangements are. It is likely you will need to make sure you are in a quiet and private place to take part in the Court hearing by telephone.

Your solicitor will guide you through the process and will keep you well informed of any arrangements made for telephone hearings.

I need advice on a Child Arrangement Order during the Covid-19 pandemic. Who do I contact?

Speak to your solicitor if you have a Child Arrangement Order in place already regulating arrangements for your children and you need some advice about complying with that Order during the Covid-19 pandemic.

They will be able to advise you on your particular circumstances and the Order you have in place. Remember that every case is different. Your situation may differ from situations faced by your friends or other members of your family.

It is important that you take advice if you are not sure how Covid-19 will affect arrangements for your children. This is because Court Orders must still be adhered to during the pandemic.

Where can I go for advice on co-parenting during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Cafcass have issued useful guidance on how separated families should approach co-parenting in line with the guidance on Covid-19. You can access the guidance here.