Recently SMP Law posted a blog on supervised access and COVID-19, however, as a team we have been discussing (virtually of course) what happens with families that share regular access with their children during this time of COVID-19?

Many parents have contacted SMP Law inquiring what to do about their access arrangements, especially given the Government Ontario’s restrictions about gathering in groups of 5 or more and all the guidelines around social distancing.

In the last seven (7) days SMP Law has already conducted two (2) urgent motions regarding the issue of access during COVID-19 , that has provided great insight into how the court views this issue.

We thought we would provide a link to an interesting article posted on March 30, 2020 on National Post by Paola Loriggio that talks about what to do about access, “Parents should respect custody arrangements during COVID-19 pandemic: Ont. Courts“.

Some highlights from the article include:

• Access arrangements should remain as close to the same schedule, unless there is a risk to the children;

• Keeping children away from one of their parents is generally not in their best interests;

• Video calls can be a temporary alternative if there is a risk of exposure to COVID-19;

• The importance of working together around access during this time; and;

• Resources such as a free legal aid hotline during COVID-19 to help with any legal questions and the Law Society hotline connecting people with lawyers for a free consultation.

SMP Law would like to take this time to remind everyone that we also provide free telephone consultations to anyone who has a legal question.

Stay safe and healthy!

Contact us anytime at SMP Law to help SiMPlify your legal matter at 905-565-9494 or email info@smplaw.ca if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment to meet and discuss your situation and how we can help.

Like us on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

Loriggio, Paola. The Canadian Press. March 30, 2020. National Post.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels