Good communication is necessary for a healthy co-parenting relationship, but sometimes it is easier if that communication is not in person. However, there are times that you may need to see your co-parent, such as at child custody exchanges.
Child custody exchanges in Florida should only take a few minutes, but sometimes that few minutes is enough for a conflict or dispute to arise and escalate. This not only hurts your co-parenting relationship, but it impacts your children, as well.
There are things you can do to ensure a smooth child custody exchange. If there is a high chance of a dispute or argument that could affect you or your children’s safety, request that the exchange take place at a safe public location, such as a police station.
Be prepared and on time
Be on time and have any of your children’s belongings that you are exchanging packed and ready to go. These are two simple things that can make a huge difference in how your custody exchanges go.
Lateness, especially constant lateness, can result in anger, frustration and resentment, which can lead to a conflict. Additionally, having your children’s belongings ready means less overall time spent at the exchange, which reduces the chance of an issue.
Leave your spouse or partner at home
Do not bring a new spouse or partner to the custody exchange unless necessary. This is not only likely to be painful for your co-parent, but it can bring unnecessary stress to your children.
This can change over time. Once your new relationship becomes long-term and everyone has had time to adjust to the situation, bringing your partner should be fine. Until then, leave them at home.
A custody exchange is not the place for private discussions
Do not have important discussions about the children at a custody exchange. These discussions should not be held in front of children and a custody exchange is not the proper time or place.
By following these simple tips, you will be surprised at how much easier your custody exchanges are.