Separated parents urged to 'be sensible' over moving kids during lockdown

The warning comes amid fears that lockdown is likely to affect the terms of Child Arrangement Orders - something which could have serious legal consequences for estranged parents.

Sue Hodgson, head of family law at Lanyon Bowdler, said circumstances relating to children moving between homes may need to change during the latest restrictions and parents must be aware of what they should do.

She said: “Current guidance for England and Wales states that individuals may not leave or be outside their home except when they have a reasonable excuse.

“A reasonable excuse includes continuing existing arrangements for contact between parents and their children where they live apart.

“The president of the family division of the High Court says this does not mean that children must move between homes, the decision should be one for the parents to take after assessing their circumstances.

“Parents are required to make a decision after carrying out a sensible assessment, which would include children’s present health, the risk of infection and the presence of any recognised vulnerable individuals in one household or the other.

“It’s an assessment that should be made taking into account child welfare issues and is something that many parents may require assistance with from a qualified family practitioner.

“There will be many circumstances that may impact this decision, for example if the children have been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.

“Where that has occurred the parents or guardians of the child should arrange for that child to remain at the same address during their period of self-isolation and make alternative arrangements for ongoing contact, for example video or facetime calls."