Legal experts: Parents frustrated by disrupted visitations, limited access to family court

Andrea Gamalzki, a family court attorney, says “people are taking it upon their own initiative to deny access to the non-custodial parent.”

News 12 Staff

Apr 29, 2020, 9:46 PM

Updated 1,592 days ago

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Legal experts say many parents are dealing with disrupted visitations and limited access to family court during the pandemic. 
Andrea Gamalzki, a family court attorney, says “people are taking it upon their own initiative to deny access to the non-custodial parent.”
"It just presents a lot of pain,” says Gamalzki. “Pain and distress for a parent denied contact with their child."
The situation has been made more frustrating for some since family court is only open for emergencies.
Maria Patrizio, of the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, is encouraging parents to communicate and make decisions that are in the best interests of the child.
"One parent could increase the other's comfort level by saying, ‘Yes, I am social distancing and disinfecting,’” she says.
No date has been set yet for the reopening of family court.
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