A mom writes in asking for advice about a custody situation. She says that, as a result of quarantine and social distancing, she has quit her job as an essential worker to be home with her son. Her ex — the father of her son — and his girlfriend are still working their “essential” jobs, and she wants to know if she can keep her child away from them.
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A member of the community asks:
“Do I have a right to keep my son from my dad?
I have a question about custody during the quarantine, do you think the dad can take his rights and enforce them during quarantine? I have quit my job as an essential worker and have stopped leaving the house. He and his girlfriend are essential workers, hotels, and liquor stores. Do I have the right to keep my child away?”
– Mamas Uncut Community Member
Community Advice for This Mom Who Wants to Know if She Has the Right to Keep Her Child Away from His Father During Quarantine
To see what advice the Mamas Uncut Facebook community has for this mom in need, read the comments of the post embedded below.
Advice Summary
The community offered this mom in need a lot of great advice. Read some of their responses below.
“Nope!!! If so, you will be held in contempt!!! Sad excuse to keep a child away from their father. To quit your job is just ridiculous. I’ve worked for hospitals for years, been into contact with WAY worse!!!! This is just plain stupid and there is a reason why this is all happening.”
“Nope. They can show up with the cops during their placement time and they can enforce him taking his child.”
“Follow the court order… Try talking to your ex about your concerns.”
“Here in FL we have a case where a mom is doing the same…. court hearing is on Tuesday……. go ahead try it, but he can still take you to court.”
“No, but you could talk to him about it.”
“If there’s a court order it is still in effect. Meaning you cannot just decide to not let his father see him. Just because you were able to quit your essential job and not drown in bills doesn’t mean everyone else is that lucky so it’s completely unrealistic to hold others to that standard.”
“I would talk to him and ask him to do it for the child’s well being. He can have him once everything dies down.”
“No. You can’t keep a child from their parent. I am an essential worker & so is my ex & his wife. We made the decision to keep our son home with me. Less contact with people. His dad talks to him a couple times a day & FaceTime. Try talking with your ex. Make something work.”
“It’s really horrific how people are using this as an excuse to violate custody and visitation orders… I could NEVER!!! Let these babies visit their other parent.”
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