Four Tips To Reduce Conflict During Child Custody Exchanges

If you are getting a divorce and there are children involved, a custody plan will be created during the process. It is critical that everyone involved follows the plan to avoid future disputes and other issues. Unfortunately, child custody exchanges do not always go well in high conflict cases. Arguments can arise, particularly if the divorce was combative, and at times these exchanges can even turn violent. This is incredibly damaging for the adults involved but for the children, it is especially damaging. Below, our Campbell child custody lawyer outlines four tips to help ensure these meetings proceed smoothly.

Use a Public Location

When child custody exchanges take place in public, there is far less chance that an altercation will occur. People do not always act the same way publicly that they would in private and so, meeting in public is always a good idea. You can choose a local mall, the parking lot of a police station, or the child’s school or daycare. Even if your former spouse is not concerned that other people will see the conflict, you will at least have witnesses who can corroborate your story, or authorities who can keep you safe, such as law enforcement.

Bring a Neutral Third Party

Bringing someone else along for the exchange can also help reduce the chance of conflict. However, it is very important that you choose the right person. For example, if you bring your new romantic partner, that may trigger your ex and actually cause a conflict. Instead, bring someone who is neutral to the situation. Co-workers, school officials, and even clergymen are all good choices. There are also professional services that offer custody exchange services.

Ask Someone Else to Handle the Exchange

If emotions are still high between you and your former spouse, you may want to consider asking someone else, such as a trusted family member or friend, to handle the exchange for you. Remember that if this is necessary, you may have to include a provision for it in your custody agreement so always speak to a Campbell child custody lawyer before proceeding with this option.

Always Arrive on Time

You cannot control the actions of the other party and it is true that some people just want to fight. Still, you can control your own actions by trying to ensure that an altercation does not occur. One of the simplest ways to do this is to make sure you arrive promptly for pick-ups and drop-offs so the other party has no reason to become angry.

Our Child Custody Lawyer in Campbell Can Help with Your Dispute

Sometimes, you can do everything possible to make a custody arrangement work, but the other party refuses to cooperate. If you have a dispute, our Campbell child custody lawyer at Hepner & Pagan, LLP, can advise you of your legal options that can help you resolve your dispute. Call us now at 408-429-8336 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Sources:

selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/divorce-california

courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-custody.htm?rdeLocaleAttr=en