Tag Archives: visitation

Child Custody & COVID-19

We are getting many questions concerning Custody and Visitation schedules and exchanges of children during this time.
The first advice to give is to use common sense and follow the recommendations of authorities.  


From the CDC, The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.  
If the necessary precautions have been taken, no one in either home is sick or showing symptoms, and no one in the home is in the vulnerable class, visitation exchanges should take place as ordered.  

If someone has been exposed to the virus or showing symptoms or is traveling from an infected area, be SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE! Try to avoid travel and exposing other individuals to the virus. While children are resilient and may be asymptomatic, they can still spread the virus to vulnerable persons.  

If visitation exchanges are not possible, utilize FaceTime or video chats to maintain daily contact with your children. Parents need to work together for the safety and well being of everyone, which calls for flexibility and access, whether direct or remotely through technology.

Chad King is a Child Custody lawyer in Mississippi and reminds parents that being reasonable is not a weakness.

How NOT to do supervised visitation.

Supervised visitation is Ordered in rare circumstances, but is typically when the parent has had significant issues with illegal substances, run-ins with law enforcement, severe defiance of prior Orders or mental health issues. (Or a combo of the above)

These parents, of course, have the right to see their child, but the Court’s obligation is to make sure that it is as safe as possible.

Below is what NOT to do…

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7827765/California-surgeon-arrested-trying-kidnap-son-12.html

Happy halloween- the “Forgotten” Holiday

Halloween is a fun excuse to dress up, eat candy and be a kid again.

However, you may only get this chance if your divorce papers allow it! Halloween is not a “real” holiday, and while admittedly it has a relatively short shelf-life on being magical, it’s still a fun experience.

Halloween is not in the Court’s standard schedule and not a Federal Holiday. So, if you want it you better address it and/or ask the Court for the day or that it be alternated between the parents.

Don’t only count on the other parent to be reasonable. Sometimes they are NOT!

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody lawyer in Mississippi and reminds you to consult the calendar when devising a custody schedule.

Best Parenting Advice; Be Consistent and Be Positive

No, this isn’t a Tony Robbins webinar.

This advice comes from years of custody disputes, multiple counselors, being a parent and seeing a lot of what-not-to-do.

#1 Be Consistent

Be there. Show up when you are supposed to. Be there when you can in addition to when you are supposed to. Be supportive mentally, emotionally, financially. Be calm. Be steady. Be there.

#1A Be Positive.

Be a good example. Be a positive role model. Say nice things about your child. Say nice things about the other parent. Be reassuring. Be encouraging. Be loving. Be affectionate.

That’s it. Do those things. You’ll win at parenting.

Matthew Thompson is a child custody attorney in Mississippi and encourages all parents to be consistent and be positive, even you.

(601)850-8000 Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms

How Do I Recover Back CHild Support?

Below is a short clip from my most recent appearance on Law Call with Rocky Wilkins of Morgan & Morgan. The caller wanted to know about recovering unpaid child support and her facts allowed for a few more opportunities to educate the public on Mississippi Law.

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody and Child Support Lawyer in Mississippi and reminds you that in Family Law, you can never go wrong if you do what is Right!

(601)850-8000 Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms

Be a Reasonable Parent…it’s Summer.

“Summertime and the livin’ is easy…”

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For divorced parents, or parents operating under a custody order, summertime is a change in the standard schedule. The summer is full of activities that start and stop at different times. There are camps and visits to grandma’s house. There are trips out-of-town, out-of-state and last-minute opportunities that could be amazing. Be a reasonable parent.

Think about putting the children’s needs ahead of your own. Think about encouraging a good, healthy relationship between the children and the other parent. Think about “what is the right thing to do?,” as opposed to “how can I get the other parent?” By the way, if you do not know what the “right thing” is, you are part of the problem.

Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney in Mississippi and wishes we all could just get along. He also recommends you be a reasonable parent year-round, not just in the summertime.

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Do NOT Refuse Extra Time with your Child.

Do NOT refuse extra time with your child.

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Both parents say they want physical custody. Both parents say they are the superior parent as compared to the other. One parent is awarded physical custody by the Court. The other parent then refuses EXTRA time, because it would “help” the other parent.

You are wrong. It helps your child. It gives you more opportunity to parent and be with your child. It improves your relationship, creates memories and helps you in the process.

Refusing EXTRA time is petty and can result in resentment between the parents and it makes no sense.

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody Attorney and reminds parents to always take the extra time.

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Happy Halloween!

Halloween is the #1 overlooked “holiday” in divorce agreements.

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Don’t overlook Halloween.

Matthew Thompson is a child custody attorney in Mississippi and wishes you and yours a special and memorable Halloween.

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