Tracy Lee Marie Miller

The respondent brought an urgent motion alleging the applicant overheld their child, denied parenting time, and kept the child out of daycare, further alleging the applicant is a drug dealer living in a hotel with the child.

The court found the matter urgent for triage purposes due to the potentially dangerous situation.

Despite severe judicial resource limitations in the Central South Region, the court scheduled an urgent case conference and a subsequent motion hearing, emphasizing the need for immediate judicial intervention to protect the child's health and safety.

The Respondent (mother) brought an urgent motion for the return of children to her primary care, alleging the Applicant (father) unilaterally withheld them due to her profession as a healthcare worker during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Applicant (father) filed a cross-motion seeking primary care or, alternatively, a week-on/week-off schedule, citing the mother's increased risk of exposure to COVID-19.

The court found the father's actions unreasonable and that he was using the pandemic to his advantage.

The court ordered a temporary week-on/week-off schedule for the children while schools are closed and the Stay at Home Order is in effect, reverting to the separation agreement's terms thereafter.

The court also mandated mutual notification for COVID-19 symptoms/testing and specific protocols for exchanges, but declined to include a police clause.

The respondent mother sought an urgent order for the return of the parties' two children, alleging the applicant father withheld them due to her employment as a healthcare worker during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The court, acting as Triage Judge, determined the matter was urgent, applying principles from *Ribeiro v. Wright* and other developing caselaw regarding parenting arrangements during the pandemic.

The court directed next steps for the motion hearing, including service of materials and a teleconference date, emphasizing the need to maintain parental relationships safely.