How Does a Stay at Home Order, Coronavirus, or COVID-19 Affect the Exchange of Children between Parents?~ 1 min read
The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts issued a joint statement with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers titled, “7 Guidelines for Parents Who Are Divorced/Separated and Sharing Custody of Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Every parent faced with exchanging custody of their children during this time, will benefit from this advice.
Stay at Home Orders are going into place, requiring people to stay at home for the next 30 days, except for essential activities. St. Louis City and County Stay at Home Orders both specifically provide an exception to allow for custody exchanges – which means you may leave your home to exchange custody of your child. Since your custody schedule and parenting plan are court orders, you must follow them.
These are extraordinary times, and emotions are strong – people are scared. You may be tempted to take things into your own hands and keep your child from the other parent. Your court order is in place to prevent this and to provide stability for your children. Your children will follow your lead. Now is the time to step up. Show them how to rise above this challenge and do the right thing.
Family Ally is dedicated to helping your family through these extraordinary times. We have implemented procedures designed to help combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and are here for you while working remotely. Our office is fully operational, and we are able to meet all of your legal needs. Contact our office today with any questions or for a confidential consultation.
Jennifer R. Piper is a family law attorney, mediator, and parenting coordinator with more than 20 years of experience serving families in the St. Louis area. She is certified as a Guardian ad Litem and frequently appointed by courts to represent children in high-conflict cases. Jennifer is a former Chair of the Family and Juvenile Law Section of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and an active leader in local and state bar organizations.
Her professional recognition includes being named to The Best Lawyers in America® (2017–2025), Missouri Super Lawyers (2021–2024), and receiving a Women’s Justice Award from Missouri Lawyers Weekly. Jennifer also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. She regularly speaks on family law topics and has helped shape family court procedures through her service on multiple committees.
