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How Can Covid Mandates Affect My Child Custody Case in Mississippi?


— November 24, 2021

At least one doctor has lost custody of their child because they work in the ER. 


Covid-19 has become a divisive topic not just across the nation, but also within our families. Divorced parents may disagree on things like mask use and vaccinations for themselves and their children. States like Mississippi and Florida have pushed back against vaccine mandates and other forms of government intervention. But how might Mississippi’s political stance affect your child custody case?

If you have concerns about your child custody arrangements, it’s probably best to get in touch with a qualified, experienced family law attorney in Mississippi. These legal professionals can help you pursue a positive legal outcome, whether you’re concerned about issues related to mask usage or vaccines. With an attorney’s assistance, you can file a petition to have your child custody agreement modified. 

Governor Reeves Has Taken a Stance Against Mandates

Governor Reeves has voice opposition to Covid-19 mandates, joining many other governors such as Governor DeSantis of Florida. He has called vaccination mandates an “attack on hardworking Americans,” and he also called the CDC mask guidelines “foolish.” This means that Mississippi is one of those states that is less likely to go along with the government’s ideas when it comes to Covid-19.

Judges Will Not Necessarily Agree with Reeves

With that said, judges will not necessarily share the governor’s opinion when dealing with matters related to Covid-19. They have the legal authority to make their own decisions, and these decisions can be vastly different from those of the elected governor. Essentially, you never really know what a judge is going to do when they oversee a case related to child custody. 

What We’ve Seen So Far

Across the United States, we have seen a number of different possible outcomes for parents who are attempting to modify child custody agreements in family courts. Some judges have ordered that “anti-mask” parents must have supervised visits in order to ensure they are wearing their masks properly while in the presence of their children. Some have been told that they will not be able to see their children until they get vaccinated. At least one doctor has lost custody of their child because they work in the ER.

Patients of UCLA Doctor Refuse to Settle Assault Allegations
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Unsplash

There is really no standardized set of rules when dealing with these situations. Because this situation is so new, judges have to make up their own minds about these decisions without consulting prior cases. This has led to a considerable degree of uncertainty among parents who have differing opinions about mask and vaccine mandates. 

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you’ve been searching the Mississippi area for a qualified, experienced family law attorney, look no further than Ballard Law, PLLC. We appreciate that tensions can be high during this difficult time, and parents may have completely different ideas about what’s best for their children. With our assistance, you can pursue a positive legal outcome that serves your child’s best interests. Our offices are conveniently located in Jackson, so book your consultation today. 

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