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Custody and Visitation During COVID-19

by | Aug 10, 2020 | Uncategorized, Custody

visitation

The Covid-19 pandemic has been one of the most tumultuous events in modern times. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that doesn’t really have any firm precedent in family law. Many people have been affected in different ways, especially economically. Across the globe, small businesses and lower-income families are struggling to keep it together. This is having a negative impact on the overall economy. The situation is also affecting single parents who pay or receive child support. If you’re having trouble with custody and visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic, read on to learn more. 

How Are Custody and Visitation Affected by Covid-19?

If you have concerns about custody and visitation, the most direct approach is to simply talk to the other parent. In most instances, the desire for the child’s well-being will override emotional concerns and both parents can agree on an outcome that is best for the child. 

One parent may be at greater risk for the coronavirus. For example, healthcare workers who treat COVID-19 patients. Another concern may be that another family member is more vulnerable, such as an elderly grandparent who lives in the home. If you have a valid concern that the current custody and visitation order puts your child at risk for contracting the virus, don’t be afraid to voice it. Talk to the other parent in a calm and rational manner to try to reach an agreement. 

If the other party is not willing to work with you, things can be a little trickier, but there are still options. It’s important to document everything and to have a firm reason for wishing to modify the established custody or visitation orders. Gather as much information as you can and be as thorough as possible. Consulting with an attorney versed in family law is a great way to ensure that all your bases are covered. A professional can help you reach your desired outcome, and avoid legal pitfalls. 

Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Dealing with family law can be tricky, and Covid-19 has only made it more challenging, but having a professional team on your side can help. At Whipple, Mercado & Associates, we’ll address your problem as quickly and smoothly as possible. The sooner you handle any issues, the easier the road will be going forward. Schedule a free consultation today at (925) 344-5050, and we’ll do our best to help you and your family stay on your feet during these trying times.

Divorce

Family

Children

Tammy J. Mercado

Tammy J. Mercado has a passion for helping her clients achieve their desired results. She listens and she personally and promptly responds to your texts, emails and phone calls. She offers real solutions to your legal matters. Tammy will carefully evaluate the legal issues in your case, provide you with sound advice and offer you the pros and cons of each possible scenario so you can meet your legal objectives. She encourages clients to participate in their own matters. Tammy believes that client participation is key to a positive result and to keeping attorney fees as low as possible. You can be sure that she will offer you straightforward, sound and honest advice in a professional manner, with integrity and excellence.

Before opening her own law practice, Tammy worked for many high-volume law firms. This gave her extensive, diversified experience in hundreds of complex family law cases as well as civil matters. She is admitted to practice law before all courts in California and the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. She is also a member of the American Bar Association, the Contra Costa Bar Association, the Alameda County Bar Association and the Bar Association of San Francisco. Tammy is also a member of the Rotary Club of Danville.

Tammy is a graduate of John F. Kennedy School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Phoenix. Tammy is also a licensed real estate broker, which comes in handy for valuing property in family law cases as well as real estate matters in the civil arena.

During her off time, Tammy is an avid sailor who crews and races on various boats in the San Francisco Bay. Tammy approaches each case as she would any yacht race: by assessing the other’s strengths, weaknesses, experience, equipment, history and reputation. She is a member of the American Sailing Association, and she is a certified Coast Guard Auxiliary member.

HONORS AND AWARDS
Tammy was selected to receive the prestigious “Business Person of the Year” Award in 2017 for the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce.

Tammy is currently serving as Danville Rotary President for 2017 through 2019.

Mary C. Whipple, CFLS

Mary C. Whipple opened her first law practice in the summer of 2008. She previously was an associate attorney at the Law Office of Cummins & Holmes, a full-service civil litigation law firm in San Ramon. The majority of her experience is in family law, which includes divorce, custody, support, prenuptial agreements and domestic-violence restraining orders. Certified by the California State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization, she is a specialist in the area of family law. Mary has also represented clients in a variety of non-family-law cases, including juvenile dependency, probate, breach of contract and employment disputes, to name a few.

Mary also previously worked as a contract attorney for O’Melveny & Meyers in San Francisco while simultaneously volunteering at the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Volunteer Legal Services Program, representing defendants in unlawful detainer actions. The program acknowledged Mary with an Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service Award in 2006 for her efforts in providing access to justice.

A seventh-generation Californian, Mary is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She earned her Bachelor of Science in criminology at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Alameda County Bar Association, and the Contra Costa County Bar Association.

In addition, Mary is active in her community as a member of the Ambassador’s Committee for the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce; a volunteer at the Contra Costa County and Alameda County Superior Courts, where she assists self-represented litigants in completing their divorces; and a member of Divorce Angel, where she provides information regarding family law matters to members of the community. Since 2007 she has been a volunteer judge for Alameda and Contra Costa County’s Annual High School Moot Court Competition. She is also a member of the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club. She was awarded the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business Person of the Year; and a graduate of the 2012 class of Leadership San Ramon Valley.

CERTIFIED LEGAL SPECIALTIES
Certified Specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization