Families grapple with co-parenting orders amid coronavirus crisis

Separated parents are grappling with co-parenting arrangements amid the coronavirus crisis, as infection fears and restrictions on movements raise questions about the ability of children to move safely between households.

The Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court, which both hear family law matters, have urged parents to act in the best interests of their children and respect the “spirit” of co-parenting orders where “strict compliance” is difficult or impossible due to the COVID-19 pandemic.