Parenting Plan and Child Illness

Most parenting plans do not address what you are supposed to do about your scheduled time in the event of a child’s illness. Most kids deal with illness rather frequently, so addressing what to do about this in advance can save you a lot of time and trouble later.

The first consideration is how far apart you and your ex live. If it is a fifteen minute drive, it is much more feasible for a child with a bad cold to be transferred than if you live an hour apart. If you live close by, illness will rarely impact visits, unless a child is very ill and cannot get out of bed.

The prime consideration should always be what is best for your child. If a child has the stomach flu, riding in a car and transferring can be very uncomfortable and distressing. If a child has been told to stay in bed by a physician, transferring the child to another home is likely not a good idea. If a child is recovering from a surgery or medical procedure, again it may not be wise to try to move him or her. A child who is contagious with something like chicken pox might be best not being moved. In these situations, the other parent should be welcomed into the home for visits to ensure there is ongoing contact and to keep that parent involved in the child’s care.

In most childhood illness situations, it is important to remember that the child can be cared for by either parent, at either home, as long as the living situation is conducive to the child getting enough rest. If the child sleeps on a pull-out couch in the living room at one parent’s home where there are other children and a lot of activity, parenting time may not be a good idea when the child is very sick.

It is important that both parents be informed and current about the child’s medications and treatments, either by going to appointments, or being in touch with the doctor by phone.

Call the Sampair Group to discuss your child custody case. We are located in Maricopa County, Arizona and are ready to work with you. Make an appointment today.