It is no surprise that the friends of the court and the circuit courts around the state are inundated by questions surrounding custody and parenting time during the COVID-19 outbreak. Parenting time schedules are top of mind for many after Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-21, requiring residents to shelter in place and restrict travel until April 13, 2020. The State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) put together frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help litigants and attorneys guide this process more seamlessly.
Some common questions addressed in the FAQs include:
- What are some parenting time alternatives that can be used?
- What if the public place for parenting time exchanges is closed?
- What if the minor child is in the high-risk category for COVID-19 and the custodial parent is concerned about exposure during parenting time?
- Does parenting time continue if a parent or a child tests positive for or has been exposed to COVID-19?
If your clients have any custody or parenting time questions during the COVID-19 outbreak, check out the
FAQs before contacting the court or the friends of the court for some preliminary guidance.