Tips For Easier Custody Exchanges
Child custody battles are emotionally taxing for everyone involved. These disputes are also often time-consuming and reaching a resolution is not always easy. Once you have resolved your custody dispute, you will likely feel relieved. Unfortunately, this is just the beginning. You will have to see your former spouse during custody exchanges, and these meetings always have the potential to become heated and tense. Below, our Delaware County child custody lawyer outlines some tips that can make these exchanges easier.
Arrive On Time
One of the best and easiest ways to ensure custody exchanges go smoothly is to arrive on time. Simply being on time will show that you respect your former spouse and their time. It can also make co-parenting much easier. If you are late for a custody exchange, it may anger your former spouse and they may even use it against you in any future custody disputes. Also, if you arrive on time, it is more likely that your former spouse will, too.
To make sure you are on time, check the traffic before you leave and make sure your child’s things are already packed. If there are unforeseeable circumstances that will make you late, make sure you tell your spouse as soon as possible.
Bring An Objective Third Party
Many people find it nerve-wracking and awkward to be around their former spouse. Bringing along someone else can reduce the stress and tension. Having a neutral third party can also provide a witness, if one is ever necessary, and can even protect you if you believe your former spouse will become threatening. Remember that people that will anger your former spouse, such as a new romantic partner, are not truly objective and so, you should choose someone that will not add to the tension.
Choose the Right Location
If you and your former spouse pick up and drop off the child at your respective homes, it can increase the feelings of stress and tension. Police stations, gas stations, and daycares often have video surveillance cameras that can provide important evidence in the event that something goes wrong. Daycares and schools are particularly good locations for child custody exchanges. If you can pick your child up at one of these facilities, it will help you avoid seeing your former spouse while still making sure the child is picked up or dropped off safely.
Do Not Involve Your Child
All children deserve to just be children. Regardless of how you feel about your former spouse, they are still your child’s other parent. Do not use your child as a messenger before you and your ex, and never talk to your child negatively about their other parent. Not only is this damaging to your child, but it can also be used against you if you have future disputes.
Our Child Custody Lawyer in Delaware County Can Help with Proceedings
Whether you are in the middle of a dispute, or you want to avoid one in the future, our Delaware County child custody lawyer can help. At Barbara Flum Stein & Associates, our experienced attorney can provide the legal advice you need to ensure that you obtain the best outcome, and avoid legal disputes whenever possible. Call us now at 610-565-6100 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.
Source:
legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=23&div=0&chpt=53
