Can the Coronavirus Affect Custodial Rights? How Divorces and Parenting Time May Be Impacted?

In Maryland custody and visitation order remain in place during this pandemic. However, if either parent is at risk with a compromised immune system or the child has a medical issues (i.e. asthma), then the parents should work out alternative means for access (FaceTime, Zoom, controlled environment, etc.). If this is not possible then the parents should work out “make-up” time for a safer/later date. There is no formula for when access is or can be safe in each particular case. However, the goal is for each parent to maintain contact in one form or another. In D.C., it is a similar situation. The main goal is the safety of the minor child(ren).

Can I Proceed With Divorce if a Stay at Home Order is in Effect?

The short answer is yes you can proceed with a divorce. However, the court is working with minimum staff and it may not be processed as fast as it would ordinarily be processed (a summon is normally issued within 10 days of filing). However, if you can file a divorce with a full global agreement with your spouse, the court is proceeding with uncontested divorces and NOT requiring the parties to come to the court house. To that end, see the mediation blog for A SMARTER DIVORCE MEDIATION SERVICES.

Will I be Able to Meet With my Divorce Attorney During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Yes. FaceTime and Zoom have been used often and work is still being done to advance cases.

Facing Child Custody Concerns During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

The court will probably not deal with issues of access during this time. This court is dealing with emergency motions and access issues will normally not be dealt with as they are not considered “emergencies.” There are instances where access could be considered an emergency (i.e. one parent wants to travel, the child or parent has underlining medical conditions, etc.). However, this is dealt with on a case-by case basis. It is probably best to consult with an attorney about your particular fact scenario and issue.

Does a Lockdown or Stay-At-Home Order Affect My Custody/Possession Schedule?

Parents can adjust the schedule to meet the child’s medical and/or emotional needs. If the parents cannot work out an alternative parenting plan then they can seek mediation. Usually, any time lost can be made up at a later date. The last thing kids want is parents fighting about them so do everything possible to come to an agreement that you can live with and that meets the safety needs of the child.

What If the Other Parent Is in Another State? Can I Still Exercise Time With the Kids?

Yes, if there is a court order, you can travel across state lines.

I Lost My Job Due to COVID-19. Do I Still Have to Pay Child Support?

Obviously, if your income changes then your child support can change. However, please be aware that child support ONLY CHANGES BACK TO THE DATE THAT YOU FILE FOR A MODIFICATION OF SUPPORT. The court is accepting child support modification petitions. You may not get a hearing right away but you are filing to make sure that any modification which does occur can go back to the date of filing. It is best to file for a modification as soon after you have a loss in income.

Do we have to follow the Parenting Plan if we, as parents, agree that to a different plan would be better for our children during the Coronavirus?

It is assumed that parents know best for their children. If the parents can agree on an alternate plan then the court will not stop that change. The change should be in writing (an email is fine) and it should state if it is temporary change of=r meant to be longer term.

Mom and Dad share parenting time 50/50. Mom is in a high-risk group for Coronavirus. Dad is not practicing social distancing with the kids; they play with neighbors and go to stores. What can Mom do?

Consult with an attorney. These are very fact specific situations.

(301) 986-8877
How Can We Help You?

Bethesda, Maryland

WHEN YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY, CALL OUR FIRM

301-968-6840

Divorce Lawyer Bethesda, Maryland

EXPERIENCED MARYLAND LAWYER PROTECTS YOUR FAMILY

Bethesda Family Lawyer with More than 30 Year of Experience Resolves Family Legal Disputes.

Douglas Cohn Attorney at Law provides legal assistance to individuals who are dealing with a wide variety of family legal issues, such as property division, divorce, child custody or child support. Douglas Cohn has been practicing law for nearly 35 years and is a former family law judge, so he has unique insight into the legal process. He helps families resolve legal issues through the dispute resolution process or uses his exceptional skills as an experienced litigator to advance his clients’ interests.

Conveniently Located Near Restaurants and Attractions

The law office of Douglas Cohn Attorney at Law is located in the commercial district in Bethesda, Maryland. While you are in the area, you can:Grab a bite to eat – Douglas Cohn Attorney at Law is within walking distance or just a short drive from a number of restaurants in the area, including Tommy Joe’s, Barrel & Crow, Flanagan’s Harp & Fiddle, Hinata Sushi Carry Out, Gringos & Mariachis, Satsuma, Pizzeria de Marco, Woodmont Grill and Black’s Bar & Kitchen. This restaurant district provides diverse menu options to satisfy the most discerning of pallets.

Shop – Enjoy a local shopping excursion at The Jewelry Exchange in Washington, D.C., CVS or the Sherwin Williams Paint Store.

Enjoy the local arts – See theater performances by budding actors at the Imagination Stage, watch a play or musical at the Round House Theatre or check out soulful talent at the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club.

Spend time as a family – Visit the nearby Battery Park Community Club. It features slides, swings, monkey bars, Swing Bridge, merry-go-round, climbing rocks, tennis court and basketball court.

How to Get to Douglas Cohn Attorney at Law

Douglas Cohn Attorney at Law is located at 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1400 Bethesda, MD 20814.

You can reach our convenient location via the following directions:

By Car

VIA MD-355 S

Turn onto MD-355 S/Rockville Pike/Wisconsin Ave
Continue to follow MD-355 S/Wisconsin Ave
Turn right onto Cordell Ave.
Turn left onto Woodmont Ave.
Douglas Cohn Attorney at Law will be on the right

By Car

VIA MD-410 W

Take MD-410 W to Norfolk Ave in Bethesda
Drive to Woodmont Ave
Via I-495 W
Take I-495 W to Jones Bridge Rd in Chevy Chase
Turn right onto Jones Bridge Rd
Use the middle lane to turn left onto Rockville Pike/Wisconsin Ave
Turn right onto Woodmont Ave
Our office will be on the right

By Bus

Nearby bus stops to Douglas Cohn Attorney at Law in Bethesda, Maryland include the following:
Wisconsin Ave. and Cordell Ave.
Wisconsin Ave. and W. Virginia Ave.
Wisconsin Ave. and Cheltenham Dr.
Wilson Ln. and Old Georgetown Rd.

By Subway

The office is also located nearby the Bethesda Station.
If you have any trouble finding our office or you would like to schedule a confidential consultation, contact Douglas Cohn Attorney at Law in Bethesda, Maryland at 301-986-8877. We will help you resolve your family legal dispute with dignity and professionalism. Contact us today to get started.

Practice Areas

Reviews

We Are Here

7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1400
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 986-8877
Fax: (301) 986-4001
Email: dcohnlaw@gmail.com

Quick Links

Business Hours

Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat - Sun: CLOSED

2022 Trusted Divorce Lawyers

Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy