After your divorce is complete, it’s natural to have some concerns about child custody. For example, you may not know what to expect when exchanging your children with your ex-spouse.
If you have concerns about this, here are a few tips to follow:
- Choose a safe place. This is top priority, as you don’t want to exchange custody in an area in which you don’t feel safe. If you really want to take this to the next level, conduct the exchange close to a police station. This way, help is only a short distance away.
- Don’t be late. You don’t want your ex to be late, and you should avoid this as well. You know what time the exchange is to occur, so arrive a few minutes in advance.
- Bring a third party. If you have any concerns about your well-being, bring a third party along with you. This can be any friend or family member. They don’t have to say anything. They’re simply there to provide support.
It’s your hope that you never run into problems when exchanging your children with your ex-spouse. This should be a straightforward, drama-free situation, with both individuals acting responsibly.
If you continually run into child custody problems during the exchange and elsewhere, e.g., an ex who ignores the parenting and visitation agreement, you may need to take legal action. You shouldn’t assume that the other parent will change on their own. Instead, review your parenting agreement, learn more about your legal rights and decide how to best hold the person responsible for their behavior.
