On Monday 23rd March 2020, Boris Johnson introduced tough new measures requiring people to stay at home to try and reduce the spread of coronavirus.
This has caused confusion from separated parents who are worried about the effect that this could have on their ability to see their child/children who live with the other parent.
Late on 23rd March 2020, the government issued guidance on their website setting out limited reasons to leave the house. Click here for the link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others
As part of the new measures, the guidance states “where parents do not live in the same household, children under 18 can be moved between their parents’ homes”. Therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, parents are permitted to move children between homes if they are separated parents.
Emma Alfieri from our family team commented:
“It is welcome news that the government has been clear on this point as understandably some parents have been worried about the situation in what is an unprecedented situation. The guidance in relation to staying at home is likely to be updated over the course of the next few days/weeks and therefore we will monitor the guidance for separated parents and keep our website up to date.”
For further information and advice please contact Emma Alfieri in the Family & Relationships team on 01284 717459 or emmaalfieri@greene-greene.com.
For more information on the services offered by Greene & Greene Solicitors please visit www.greene-greene.com and follow on Twitter @GreeneGreeneLaw.
24th March 2020.
