Getting Your Non-Emergency Child Custody Issue Heard During COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic has created unique challenges for parents dealing with child custody orders or agreements. Not surprisingly, some parents have simply run out of patience with self-help remedies and may feel like their only remaining option is to go to court, either to enforce an existing arrangement or to seek a formal modification of custody.
However, any New York parent who seeks court involvement in a custody or visitation issue will face a harsh reality. During the pandemic, courts are technically open, but they are hearing emergency matters and cases involving domestic violence almost exclusively. This means people across the state facing other important issues, such as child custody disputes, are finding themselves left out in the cold, with no ability to access a judge unless a child’s safety is deemed at risk.
The fact is that major life events happen in the midst of a pandemic. For example, people are moving to different houses or apartments. They are switching jobs, either by choice or necessity. Even if the coronavirus hasn’t hit them directly, they need to find some kind of consistent routine amid stay-at-home orders, home schooling, working from home and social distancing. Situations like these often require changes to parenting plans, and if the parents can’t agree on how arrangements should change, they need to turn to the court system.
If you have a custody or visitation problem, even one that does not involve child safety or domestic violence, you have a right to seek a resolution in court. However, you can’t do it alone. You need to reach out to an experienced New York family law attorney who is involved in the court system daily and who knows how to find opportunities to get your case heard promptly, even if it is not an emergency.
The child custody lawyers of Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C. will do everything possible to have your custody arrangement enforced or modified during the COVID-19 crisis. Call 1.631.479.3839 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our office is located in Melville and we serve all of Long Island.