By Emily Pennick, PA

A ’high number’ of shared custody parents have voiced concern their ex-partner could take advantage of lockdown rules and withold access to their children, a family lawyer has said.

Lorraine Harvey, at Slater and Gordon, spoke out about the impact of self-isolation measures on children with two homes.

Ms Harvey said: "Since self-isolation measures came into force, we have already seen a high number of calls from concerned clients who feel their ex-partner is using this as an excuse to withhold contact with children.

"This may be borne out of anxiety given the current crisis and the desire to keep their loved ones safe and protected.

"However, it is also undoubtedly becoming a feature in families where the relationship between parents is already fragile or acrimonious and I’m sure will continue to be so."

Current Government guidance states that children under 18 can be moved between parents’ homes - if it is safe to do so.

Ms Harvey said: "We know routine is important for children and with so many other changes - the closure of schools, not being able to see their friends or certain family members - we would urge parents to keep things as normal as possible."

If communication breaks down completely, parents can apply to the court, although only the most urgent cases are being dealt with over the phone, she said.

"For some people, lack of contact will be unavoidable. For example, many separated parents have second families and if someone in that household is exhibiting coronavirus symptoms or is classed as vulnerable and therefore high risk, there is no question that face-to-face contact should be stopped temporarily for the safety of all involved.

"That will obviously be upsetting and disruptive, but hopefully this will only be necessary for the short term and people will make greater use of technology as a means of keeping in touch," she said.

Ms Harvey said client calls had increased by about a third since Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s address on Monday.