The Principal Family Court Judge has updated the guidance about shared parenting at level 4 specifically now we are dealing with Covid -19 (Delta variant). Repeated by Her Honour is the overall and overriding consideration – parents are to make decisions that are in the best interests of their children. It would seem now however because of the Delta variant ( and how fast it spreads) children should be restricted to a two-bubble scenario.

The last time we entered a level 4 lockdown in March 2020, it was a time of great uncertainty, a lot of practitioners braced themselves for parties to keep children and for Covid-19 to be used as a weapon to exclude contact with another party. To our surprise many families sharing the care of children did really well, they communicated and navigated their way through. This time around it feels a little different (noting that Auckland has seen more restrictions both past and present). People seem to be less flexible, they are tired and I am speaking to multiple people where there is a flat refusal to hand a child or children over. In some cases this is simply unreasonable but people are dealing with high levels of stress – sharing a child only adds to this. Whilst warrants to enforce court orders can be applied for this is really the last resort when we are advising people.

Judge Moran noted in her guidance of March 2020 that – children are precious and more than ever, this is the time to focus on their wellbeing, and in particular their safety. It is important their loved ones are also safe and well, and that children know that, and are able to see their parents lead by example. It would be our best case if all parents could keep this in mind when making decisions for their little ones.

The following guidance reflects the Alert Level Orders made by the Government under the Covid-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 and public health advice.

  • Where there is a shared care arrangement, children may move between two homes only if the following requirements are met:
    • The two homes that the children move between are a shared bubble – only two homes can make up this shared bubble; and
    • The two homes must be in the same or neighbouring territorial authorities (your local city council or district council area)
  • However, even if the above requirements are met, people should follow public health guidance. Movement between the two bubbles is not recommended if:
    • The child, or someone in either home, is unwell. In this case the child should not travel between homes until they are well.
    • The child, or someone in either home has been in close contact with: - a person who has, or is, currently being tested for COVID-19 or, a person who has visited a location of interest at the same time as an active COVID-19 case (locations of interest are regularly updated on the Ministry of Health website.

What has differed since the last guidance release ?

The two home bubble differs from the guidance provided during COVID-19 Alert Level 4 last year to account for new Alert Level Orders made by the Government reflecting the high transmissibility of the Delta variant.

If three or more homes are typically linked by children moving between them, some changes may be needed to be made to existing parenting arrangements in consultation with all affected parties.

• Parents and caregivers should discuss if shared care arrangements would allow COVID-19 to potentially spread without them being aware and reach an agreement. This may mean the child may stay with one parent/caregiver during the course of Alert Level 4.

If children are moving between homes:

  • Children should be accompanied by a caregiver from the shared bubble.
  • Private vehicles should be used, where possible. Public transport can be used where there are no alternatives.
  • It is useful to carry evidence of your parenting arrangements with you while transporting children to explain your travel.

Where children cannot move between homes:

Where children cannot move between homes, the Court would expect indirect contact - such as by video call, phone, social media messaging - to be generous.

Overall:

Parents must put aside their conflict at this time and make decisions that are in the best interests of the child and their families and the wider community. This global pandemic should not be seen as an opportunity for parents to unilaterally change established care arrangements without cause or otherwise behave in a manner inconsistent with the child's best interests or the court ordered care arrangements.

Further information for families

For up to date information, families are referred to the Unite against COVID-19 website Further guidance is also available on the Ministry of Justice website.

Family Court proceedings at COVID-19 Alert Level 4

The Family Court continue to deal with priority proceedings during COVID-19 Alert Level 4, as set out in the court protocol. This includes Applications for Compulsory Treatment Orders, IDCCR, Protection Orders, Without Notice Interim Parenting Orders including enforcement, guardianship disputes (COCA), Without Notice Custody Orders or Place of Safety warrants (Oranga Tamariki); Welfare Guardianship or Property Orders (PPPR). Priority proceedings also include any other application considered by a judge to warrant an urgent hearing or judicial conference and, other urgent applications normally considered on the eDuty platform.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.