Woodfi nes Solicitors
When the furniture adverts on TV start promising delivery before Christmas, you know it’s time to fo- cus on other aspects of a festive season in which the unwanted gifts could include COVID-19. For separated parents, there’s a particular
need to plan well ahead, with built-in fl exibility, to ensure an enjoyable Christmas for the children whilst keeping the family at the least possible risk of infection. Early September onwards brought increasing uncertainty about what rules would apply through to New Year, in addition to the basic Hands – Face - Space message. With quarantine required on return from a frequently changing list of countries and local lockdowns springing up around the UK, it’s vital to think things through before making any totally fi xed arrangements for Christmastime.
Lockdown caveats T ere’s even the possibility of another national lock- down if a second wave of the virus takes hold, de- spite new eff orts to control it. Local lockdown was threatened in Bedford when infection rates rose there in July. Luton also brought in local measures as case numbers climbed in some postcode areas. T ere have been relaxations for separated families during lockdowns, but there are caveats. During national lockdown, the government said that under-18 children of separated parents could move between the parents’ homes. T e caveats urged careful thought about any risks with regard to: the children’s health and related susceptibilities;
Added
Christmas stress for separated families – but help is at hand
Denise Higgins Partner at Woodfi nes Solicitors
any vulnerable people living at either property; and whether there ex- isted a risk of infection, such as from someone with possible COVID symptoms.
The children come first So, Christmas 2020 will be diff erent from usual, but one unchanged feature will be the natural desire of separated parents not to let their diff erences or changed circumstances mar their children’s enjoyment of the festivities. Amicable and fl exible agreement about where children will spend the holidays will help them to feel more secure and relaxed, which should mean more festive fun for all. When planning to travel abroad with your chil-
dren, it is also essential to get your ex-partner’s con- sent if you share parental responsibility. However, where a court has ruled that a child should live with you, such consent is mandatory only for a trip not exceeding 28 days. In either case, a return delayed by a COVID diagnosis while abroad or af- fected by UK quarantine rules could cause distress.
Childcare disruption Issues also arise in day-to-day life, with the furlough scheme winding down and more people returning to the workplace. T e ‘Rule of Six’ and other autumn measures may impact the availability of childcare, particularly by friends or relatives that need to avoid any risk of infection. T is makes it even more im- portant for co-parents to reach amicable arrange- ments in the children’s best interest. With the best will in the world, it’s sometimes
hard to fi nd a formula to suit both sides. Consulting a family law expert will often help fi nd a workable solution to childcare, holiday or other problems, possibly through collaborative law or mediation.
Visit www.woodfi
nes.co.uk or contact familylaw@woodfi
nes.co.uk to see how our team can help fi nd the best outcome for your children
6 ALL THINGS BUSINESS
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