COVID-19 and Family Law (cont’d)
Family Law and COVID-19 news –
The Supreme Court of Texas has issued the Eighteenth Emergency Order regarding the COVID-19 State of Disaster stating the following:
“In determining a person’s right to possession of and access to a child under a court ordered possession schedule in a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship, the existing trial court order shall control in all instances. Possession of and access to a child shall not be affected by any shelter-in-place order or other order restricting movement issued by a governmental entity that arises from the pandemic. The original published school schedule shall also control, and possession and access shall not be affected by the school’s closure that arises from the pandemic. Nothing herein prevents parties from altering a possession schedule by agreement if allowed by their court order(s), or courts from modifying their orders on an emergency basis or otherwise.”
Changes going forward –
The Family District Courts have been working to revise the court policies and procedures as needed to facilitate moving the Court’s dockets forward. Some Family District Courts are attempting to unify their policies while other Courts are not. It’s important your family law attorney stays abreast of these changes.
Topic of the Month – School Year 2020/2021
If your child has special needs or requirements discuss this with the teacher.
Exchange email addresses between you and the teacher and periodically email the teacher to inquire how your child is doing.
Set realistic goals with your child regarding academic performance, agree to a plan and assist your child to attain the goal. This plan will probably change as your child progresses through the school year. Be flexible as circumstances change.
If parents of the child do not reside together –
If communication is ineffective between you and the other parent, consider utilizing a valuable and affordable resource called "Our Family Wizard" at www.ourfamilywizard.com. Parents are increasingly being ordered by the courts to use this resource.
Words your child needs to hear you say: Have fun! Work hard! I’m proud of you! I love you!