Is Parental Time Affected By The Coronavirus Essential Travel Order In Ohio?
I have been practicing family law and divorce in Ohio for over 40 years. Coronavirus is a novel situation, but I will do my best to share some insights into this topic. The COVID-19 situation is a very fluid situation. In addition, each case and the analysis would be dependent on the facts of the specific case as well as the Court and Judge.
Pursuant to both of the Ohio’s Stay at Home Orders, travel has been reduced to only essential travel. Under these Orders, essential travel is defined based on specified travel purpose, including “travel required by law enforcement or court order, including to transport children pursuant to a custody agreement.” Individuals falling under any of the essential travel purposes must still “comply with all Social Distancing Requirements.” (See, Section 12 (e) of the Ohio Order of April 2, 2020). So, to be clear, Court Ordered parenting time is NOT altered by the shelter-in-place Orders.
Although many Courts are presently working with limited staff, that is not the case in the Montgomery County, Ohio Domestic Relations Court. Many motions have been filed dealing with … Read More... “My Ex Won’t Let Me Have My Kids Because of the Coronavirus. What Can I do?”