The pandemic has impacted divorces in many. Early on, it was a mitigating factor that pushed some couples to divorce, particularly if the marriage was a new one. Now it’s a few years later with vaccines available for anyone ages five and up. Nevertheless, parents may have different views on how best to protect the health and well-being of their children. Disagreements can involve rules on masking, playdates, travel, attending school, and whether to vaccinate or not vaccinate.
Singer and entertainer Kelly Clarkson wrapped up her divorce from Brandon Blackstock, and they’ve addressed such common concerns as property division, alimony and custody, but there is also the notable inclusion that the children must get vaccinated if the pediatrician of the couple’s two young children recommends it.
Judges may favor vaccination
It is risky to assume a judge’s decision, but judges have generally favored vaccine requirements if the couple has joint custody. The hot-button issue has caused disputes if a parent has access to the children but chooses not to vaccinate or refuses to vaccinate eligible children. While New York City is not Kentucky, the New York County Supreme Court ruled to limit a father’s access to the children until he got vaccinated or submitted to weekly testing. Certain states’ courts have overwhelmingly embraced this thinking.
The Blackstock-Clarkson agreement
Because Clarkson works in California and Blackstock lives in Montana, the children must travel. The young children (who are older than 5) will fly privately until a time when they are fully vaccinated. Clarkson agreed to pay an additional $50,000 to cover the expense. This agreement directly addresses the issue of safety and leaves the decisions in the hands of medical professionals.
Others must address it too
With the ebbs and flows of covid variants likely to continue for a few years, couples planning their divorce must at least consider the vaccine issue and determine the best course of action for the family.
