{"id":15888,"date":"2020-03-29T17:02:43","date_gmt":"2020-03-29T16:02:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/?p=15888"},"modified":"2025-10-21T17:33:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T16:33:08","slug":"co-parenting-during-coronavirus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/co-parenting-during-coronavirus\/","title":{"rendered":"Co-parenting during Coronavirus\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/17580140\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/backward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/c5b2b1\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"100%\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_text_align=&#8221;justify&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#c5b2b1&#8243; header_2_text_align=&#8221;justify&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#c984a4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;justified&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"co-parenting_during_coronavirus\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\">Co-parenting during Coronavirus\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If you\u2019re a co-parent, no doubt you\u2019re reeling from the storms coronavirus is causing with your child arrangements. Whether they are court-ordered or not it &#8216;s a challenge. <\/span><em><span class=\"s1\">Co-parenting during Coronavirus <\/span><\/em><span class=\"s1\">will help you navigate the Government advice and remind you that common sense should prevail.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Guidance is out there for parents, but it\u2019s open to interpretation and has caused some confusion. In <em>Co-parenting during Coronavirus<\/em> we\u2019ll go through it all together. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Please bear in mind advice and instruction on child arrangement orders may change \u2013 so do check back in with the <span class=\"s2\">judiciary\u2019s late<\/span><span class=\"s2\">st official guidance here<\/span> as the outbreak progresses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"do_we_need_to_comply_with_our_child_arrangement_order\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\">Do we need to comply with our Child Arrangement Order?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Not to the letter, no \u2013 but yes, in spirit. The judiciary is clear that parents must stick to the <strong>Stay At Home<\/strong> rules that are in place for everyone. Only leave the house for essential shopping, work, medical need or daily exercise near your home. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">However, <em>Co-parenting during Coronavirus <\/em>allows children under 18 to be taken between parents\u2019 homes. <strong>Just because this is allowed does not mean it is required<\/strong>. The judiciary has asked parents to work together to decide what\u2019s best for their situation.\u00a0 You should take into account travel, health and other household circumstances. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">It may be best to temporarily suspend your arrangements. If you do that, you are expected to ensure both parents get access to their children through FaceTime, telephone calls etc. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Document what you have agreed in writing, such as a text or email, so you can refer back to it if needed. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_if_we_dont_have_a_child_arrangement_order\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\">What if we don\u2019t have a Child Arrangement Order? <\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The same guidance applies. You are not required to stick to the usual arrangements you have made between you. Ideally, both parents will work out a temporary solution together, which enables children to see both parents, whether physically or virtually. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">And if your ex is being completely unreasonable and you can\u2019t agree? Read on.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_if_my_ex_is_demanding_the_children_but_i_dont_feel_its_safe_for_them_to_travel\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\">What if my ex is demanding the children but I don\u2019t feel it\u2019s safe for them to travel?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If this is genuinely the case (and do think about your motives carefully), then the guidance allows for you to exercise your parental responsibility and not move your children between households. You will be expected to ensure your children see their other parent through calls, video calls etc. so they can maintain contact. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If you do have your children at home, away from your ex, make sure you keep a record of all efforts you make to ensure they stay in touch \u2013 FaceTime, WhatsApp calls, zoom, telephone etc. so you can evidence that you are not trying to keep your children away from their other parent. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\">What if your ex is threatening to issue a Child Arrangement Order if you aren\u2019t already subject to one &#8211; or to apply to breach you if you are? Let them! Seriously. Let them. So long as you can justify your refusal on sensible and reasonable grounds, you\u2019ll be fine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If there is disagreement the Family Court will look at whether the actions of each parent were reasonable and sensible in light of the Coronavirus outbreak. They will want to see evidence that you acted with the best interests of your children and public health in mind. Bear in mind that Family Courts will have limited resources during this time, and are likely to prioritise urgent cases such as domestic abuse. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_if_my_ex_has_the_children_and_wont_let_them_come_to_me\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\">What if my ex has the children and won\u2019t let them come to me?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Equally, your ex has the right to exercise parental responsibility \u2013 and if the matter is heard in court will be expected to evidence they acted sensibly given the circumstances we are living in. They will also be expected to ensure you have access via video or online channels. Keep a record of all your communication so you can provide evidence for how they acted if they are being unreasonable. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_if_im_in_a_high_conflict_situation\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\">What if I\u2019m in a High Conflict situation?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If your ex is a high conflict personality, you are probably getting all kinds of grief and financial manipulation from them. <em>Co-parenting during Coronavirus <\/em>is especially challenging for you<em>.\u00a0<\/em> However, the above guidelines still apply and do what you can to keep firm boundaries in place. If you need to shut down manipulation and abuse from your ex through your lawyer, do so. Report any incidences of harassment to the police. A warning may be sufficient to stop the behaviour but you may have grounds for a non-molestation order. If you think this may be your case, seek legal advice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Insist on communicating through a dedicated app like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ourfamilywizard.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s2\">Our Family Wizard<\/span><\/a>. It will help you to keep a log that can\u2019t be tampered with. Tell your ex you\u2019ll only communicate through this method and mean it &#8211; your boundaries must be firm here. If you can afford to offer to pay for them do &#8211; don\u2019t give them a reason to refuse (most high conflict personalities do their best to avoid these apps as their manipulation goes on the record).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Remember that text communication can be faked! Google \u2018fake Whatsapp message\u2019 and you\u2019ll see just how easy it is. So don\u2019t be fooled into thinking your texts are a safe record. When it comes to high conflict, you need to be as locked down as possible. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"reality_check_for_co-parents_its_not_about_you\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\">Reality check for co-parents: it\u2019s not about you<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Public health comes before your individual child arrangements. This might sound blunt, but we are in unprecedented times, and at the moment, and for the foreseeable future, the top priority is protecting everyone\u2019s health. We are all being called to act with the needs of the most vulnerable in mind, not prioritising what suits us best. <em>Co-parenting during Coronavirus\u00a0<\/em>is not normal co-parenting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s3\">The guidance issues by <\/span><span class=\"s1\">The Rt. Hon. Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division and Head of Family Justice, on 24 March 2020 clearly states that there is a duty to act reasonably and sensibly. Where the letter of the law cannot be upheld, they expect it to be met in spirit. When making decisions for your family, have this at the forefront of your mind. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p6\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"theres_more_to_life_than_coronavirus\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\">There\u2019s more to life than Coronavirus<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">In these uncertain times, it feels like Coronavirus is all-consuming. I know &#8211; it\u2019s true for all of us, co-parents or not. We\u2019re worried about our health and the health of loved ones as well as scared about our jobs, homes, and finances. But there is more to life than coronavirus and we will get through this. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">Focus on the things that you can control and cherish the fun things your children are doing &#8211; exercising with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCAxW1XT0iEJo0TYlRfn6rYQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joe Wicks<\/a> or drawing pictures for the NHS, or to put on your windows. There is so much community spirit on show in this time of crisis. And what your children will remember is how you made them feel. If you\u2019re with them, keep it relaxed and fun. If you\u2019re not, make the most of calls, do online games, do bedtime stories via zoom. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">And look after yourself. <em>Co-parenting during Coronavirus\u00a0<\/em>may be emotionally challenging for you, so treat yourself with love and respect. Do something for yourself every day \u2013 even if it\u2019s five minutes of yoga, or just sitting with a cup of tea. Check-in with loved ones. Try and ensure you get some exercise (wear a sports bra if you join in with Joe Wicks!), and get some sunshine. Take each day as it comes and know this too shall pass. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the_absolute_academy_has_your_back\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\">The Absolute Academy has your back<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/the-absolute-academy\/\">The Absolute Academy<\/a><\/span><span class=\"s1\"> is my online membership group. It runs via Facebook and online training portal so it\u2019s all virtual and safe. You can get proactive support with your divorce both emotionally and legally. It can save you thousands in divorce costs because the knowledge you get allows you to use your solicitor efficiently if you can afford one or supports you to DIY effectively if you have to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">At the moment we\u2019re holding Zoom meetups on Mondays and Wednesdays, along with my weekly Facebook Live Q&amp;A. The Zoom meet-ups allow members to come together in a virtual space to see each other on video and share how they\u2019re feeling, what their struggles are (divorce-related or not) and to celebrate their wins. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">They get coaching and support from me of course, but equally as powerful, the sisterhood is strong! And we all benefit that, now more than ever. A safe community of women who get what it\u2019s like when you\u2019re cut off from usual social interaction. Does that sound like something you need right now?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Your divorce may be on a go-slow, but you have to keep going. And you can use the go-slow to get prepared. Get all your paperwork together, to do the inner work in deciding what you want and need from the future so you\u2019re ready to hit the ground running. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">These are challenging times and The Absolute Academy is here to support you. I\u2019d love to see you in there. If you think it\u2019s for you \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/the-absolute-academy\/\"><span class=\"s2\">just take a look and sign up here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"about_emma\"><\/span>About Emma<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/about-me-emma-heptonstall\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Emma Heptonstall,<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0the Divorce Alchemist is author of the Amazon best selling book\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/How-Be-Lady-Who-Leaves\/dp\/1999631501\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>How to be a Lady Who Leaves, the Ultimate Guide to Getting Divorce Ready<\/strong><\/a>. A former lawyer, Emma is a family mediator and founder of Get Divorce Ready the online self-study and group programmes. Emma has been featured on BBC Radio, The Telegraph, the iPaper and in Marie Claire Magazine. To find out more visit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>www.emmaheptonstall.com<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Co-parenting during Coronavirus\u00a0 If you\u2019re a co-parent, no doubt you\u2019re reeling from the storms coronavirus is causing with your child arrangements. Whether they are court-ordered or not it &#8216;s a challenge. Co-parenting during Coronavirus will help you navigate the Government advice and remind you that common sense should prevail. Guidance is out there for parents, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":15889,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<h1 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Co-parenting during Coronavirus\u00a0<\/span><\/h1><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If you\u2019re a co-parent, no doubt you\u2019re reeling from the storms coronavirus is causing with your child arrangements. Whether they are court-ordered or not it 's a challenge. <\/span><em><span class=\"s1\">Co-parenting during Coronavirus <\/span><\/em><span class=\"s1\">will help you navigate the Government advice and remind you that common sense should prevail.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Guidance is out there for parents, but it\u2019s open to interpretation and has caused some confusion. In <em>Co-parenting during Coronavirus<\/em> we\u2019ll go through it all together. <\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Please bear in mind advice and instruction on child arrangement orders may change \u2013 so do check back in with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.judiciary.uk\/announcements\/coronavirus-crisis-guidance-on-compliance-with-family-court-child-arrangement-orders\/\"><span class=\"s2\">judiciary\u2019s latest official guidance here<\/span><\/a> as the outbreak progresses.<\/span><\/p><h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Do we need to comply with our Child Arrangement Order?<\/span><\/h2><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Not to the letter, no \u2013 but yes, in spirit. The judiciary is clear that parents must stick to the <strong>Stay At Home<\/strong> rules that are in place for everyone. Only leave the house for essential shopping, work, medical need or daily exercise near your home. <\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">However, <em>Co-parenting during Coronavirus <\/em>allows children under 18 to be taken between parents\u2019 homes. <strong>Just because this is allowed does not mean it is required<\/strong>. The judiciary has asked parents to work together to decide what\u2019s best for their situation.\u00a0 You should take into account travel, health and other household circumstances. <\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">It may be best to temporarily suspend your arrangements. If you do that, you are expected to ensure both parents get access to their children through FaceTime, telephone calls etc. <\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Document what you have agreed in writing, such as a text or email, so you can refer back to it if needed. <\/span><\/p><h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">What if we don\u2019t have a Child Arrangement Order? <\/span><\/h2><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The same guidance applies. You are not required to stick to the usual arrangements you have made between you. Ideally, both parents will work out a temporary solution together, which enables children to see both parents, whether physically or virtually. <\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">And if your ex is being completely unreasonable and you can\u2019t agree? Read on.<\/span><\/p><h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">What if my ex is demanding the children but I don\u2019t feel it\u2019s safe for them to travel?<\/span><\/h2><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If this is genuinely the case (and do think about your motives carefully), then the guidance allows for you to exercise your parental responsibility and not move your children between households. You will be expected to ensure your children see their other parent through calls, video calls etc. so they can maintain contact. <\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If you do have your children at home, away from your ex, make sure you keep a record of all efforts you make to ensure they stay in touch \u2013 FaceTime, WhatsApp calls, zoom, telephone etc. so you can evidence that you are not trying to keep your children away from their other parent. <\/span><\/p><p class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\">What if your ex is threatening to issue a Child Arrangement Order if you aren\u2019t already subject to one - or to apply to breach you if you are? Let them! Seriously. Let them. So long as you can justify your refusal on sensible and reasonable grounds, you\u2019ll be fine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If there is disagreement the Family Court will look at whether the actions of each parent were reasonable and sensible in light of the Coronavirus outbreak. They will want to see evidence that you acted with the best interests of your children and public health in mind. Bear in mind that Family Courts will have limited resources during this time, and are likely to prioritise urgent cases such as domestic abuse. <\/span><\/p><h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">What if my ex has the children and won\u2019t let them come to me?<\/span><\/h2><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Equally, your ex has the right to exercise parental responsibility \u2013 and if the matter is heard in court will be expected to evidence they acted sensibly given the circumstances we are living in. They will also be expected to ensure you have access via video or online channels. Keep a record of all your communication so you can provide evidence for how they acted if they are being unreasonable. <\/span><\/p><h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">What if I\u2019m in a High Conflict situation?<\/span><\/h2><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If your ex is a high conflict personality, you are probably getting all kinds of grief and financial manipulation from them. <em>Co-parenting during Coronavirus <\/em>is especially challenging for you<em>.\u00a0<\/em> However, the above guidelines still apply and do what you can to keep firm boundaries in place. If you need to shut down manipulation and abuse from your ex through your lawyer, do so. Report any incidences of harassment to the police. A warning may be sufficient to stop the behaviour but you may have grounds for a non-molestation order. If you think this may be your case, seek legal advice.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Insist on communicating through a dedicated app like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ourfamilywizard.co.uk\"><span class=\"s2\">Our Family Wizard<\/span><\/a>. It will help you to keep a log that can\u2019t be tampered with. Tell your ex you\u2019ll only communicate through this method and mean it - your boundaries must be firm here. If you can afford to offer to pay for them do - don\u2019t give them a reason to refuse (most high conflict personalities do their best to avoid these apps as their manipulation goes on the record).\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Remember that text communication can be faked! Google \u2018fake Whatsapp message\u2019 and you\u2019ll see just how easy it is. So don\u2019t be fooled into thinking your texts are a safe record. When it comes to high conflict, you need to be as locked down as possible. <\/span><\/p><h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Reality check for co-parents: it\u2019s not about you<\/span><\/h2><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Public health comes before your individual child arrangements. This might sound blunt, but we are in unprecedented times, and at the moment, and for the foreseeable future, the top priority is protecting everyone\u2019s health. We are all being called to act with the needs of the most vulnerable in mind, not prioritising what suits us best. <em>Co-parenting during Coronavirus\u00a0<\/em>is not normal co-parenting.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s3\">The guidance issues by <\/span><span class=\"s1\">The Rt. Hon. Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division and Head of Family Justice, on 24 March 2020 clearly states that there is a duty to act reasonably and sensibly. Where the letter of the law cannot be upheld, they expect it to be met in spirit. When making decisions for your family, have this at the forefront of your mind. <\/span><\/p><h2 class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">There\u2019s more to life than Coronavirus<\/span><\/h2><p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">In these uncertain times, it feels like Coronavirus is all-consuming. I know - it\u2019s true for all of us, co-parents or not. We\u2019re worried about our health and the health of loved ones as well as scared about our jobs, homes, and finances. But there is more to life than coronavirus and we will get through this. <\/span><\/p><p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">Focus on the things that you can control and cherish the fun things your children are doing - exercising with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCAxW1XT0iEJo0TYlRfn6rYQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joe Wicks<\/a> or drawing pictures for the NHS, or to put on your windows. There is so much community spirit on show in this time of crisis. And what your children will remember is how you made them feel. If you\u2019re with them, keep it relaxed and fun. If you\u2019re not, make the most of calls, do online games, do bedtime stories via zoom. <\/span><\/p><p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">And look after yourself. <em>Co-parenting during Coronavirus\u00a0<\/em>may be emotionally challenging for you, so treat yourself with love and respect. Do something for yourself every day \u2013 even if it\u2019s five minutes of yoga, or just sitting with a cup of tea. Check-in with loved ones. Try and ensure you get some exercise (wear a sports bra if you join in with Joe Wicks!), and get some sunshine. Take each day as it comes and know this too shall pass. <\/span><\/p><h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The Absolute Academy has your back<\/span><\/h2><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/club-d36-the-absolute-academy\/\">The Absolute Academy<\/a><\/span><span class=\"s1\"> is my online membership group. It runs via Facebook and online training portal so it\u2019s all virtual and safe. You can get proactive support with your divorce both emotionally and legally. It can save you thousands in divorce costs because the knowledge you get allows you to use your solicitor efficiently if you can afford one or supports you to DIY effectively if you have to.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">At the moment we\u2019re holding Zoom meetups on Mondays and Wednesdays, along with my weekly Facebook Live Q&A. The Zoom meet-ups allow members to come together in a virtual space to see each other on video and share how they\u2019re feeling, what their struggles are (divorce-related or not) and to celebrate their wins. <\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">They get coaching and support from me of course, but equally as powerful, the sisterhood is strong! And we all benefit that, now more than ever. A safe community of women who get what it\u2019s like when you\u2019re cut off from usual social interaction. Does that sound like something you need right now?<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Your divorce may be on a go-slow, but you have to keep going. And you can use the go-slow to get prepared. Get all your paperwork together, to do the inner work in deciding what you want and need from the future so you\u2019re ready to hit the ground running. <\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">These are challenging times and The Absolute Academy is here to support you. I\u2019d love to see you in there. If you think it\u2019s for you \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/club-d36-the-absolute-academy\/\"><span class=\"s2\">just take a look and sign up here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p><h2>About Emma<\/h2><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/about-me-emma-heptonstall\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Emma Heptonstall,<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0the Divorce Alchemist is author of the Amazon best selling book\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/How-Be-Lady-Who-Leaves\/dp\/1999631501\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>How to be a Lady Who Leaves, the Ultimate Guide to Getting Divorce Ready<\/strong><\/a>. A former lawyer, Emma is a family mediator and founder of Get Divorce Ready the online self-study and group programmes. Emma has been featured on BBC Radio, The Telegraph, the iPaper and in Marie Claire Magazine. To find out more visit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>www.emmaheptonstall.com<\/strong><\/a><\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[2491,12,301],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-divorce-and-coronavirus","category-divorce-support","category-podcast"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Copy-of-Copy-of-EH_BlogImage-6.png?fit=1000%2C516&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6aDhr-48g","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15888","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15888"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15888\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15889"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15888"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15888"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15888"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}