Conflict-Free Child Custody Exchanges In Fort Lauderdale

Child time-sharing is generally encouraged by the Florida Courts, and parenting plans determine the amount of time the child spends in each parent’s home. Negotiating and implementing these plans is never easy, and one of the most commonly contentious issues concerns transportation arrangements and custody exchanges.
Child custody exchanges in Fort Lauderdale can be inconvenient, emotionally draining, and, in some cases, could put you or your child’s safety at risk. Our Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney explains common problems you are likely to encounter and the steps to help ensure conflict-free exchanges.
Common Challenges In Fort Lauderdale Custody Exchanges
Under the Florida Statutes, child time-sharing is generally considered in the best interests of children and dividing their time between each parent’s home helps to ensure that both continue to play an active role in the child’s life. At the same time, there may be hard feelings between the parents that make implementing child time-sharing arrangements more challenging and potentially contentious.
One of the most frequent areas for disputes concerns custody exchanges. Common issues include:
- Exchange locations that are inconvenient for one of the parents;
- Picking spots that are isolated, dimly lit, or are an otherwise unhealthy environment;
- Being continually late for exchanges;
- No shows and other problems communicating with the other parent;
- Ongoing resentment between the parties, which spills over during exchanges.
Including Provisions For Custody Exchanges In A Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plan
When negotiating child time-sharing arrangements in Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Courts require you to complete a parenting plan. Your parenting plan lists all the details surrounding custody and co-parenting, including provisions for transportation and child custody exchanges. To avoid problems in the future, follow these steps in making your plans:
- Pick a neutral local, such as a park, restaurant, or supervised exchange center;
- Consider your own and your child’s schedule, along with traffic in the area, when determining exchange times;
- Include provisions in the parenting plan for how to handle unexpected issues that arise;
- Agree in advance to use a co-parenting app or other options to track schedules and communicate changes;
- Avoid drawn-out interactions during custody exchanges, avoid disputes, and keep the focus on your children;
- Document exchanges and any conflicts that arise concerning the other parent, which can be used to request modifications.
Request A Consultation Today With Our Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Attorney
Conflicts are common when negotiating and implementing Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing arrangements. Custody exchanges are a frequent cause of disputes and can put you and your child at risk. To protect your rights, get the caring, professional legal representation you need from Fort Lauderdale attorney Sandra Bonfiglio.
We help clients negotiate parenting plans, taking the legal actions needed to protect their own and their child’s best interests throughout the process. This includes adding provisions that spell out transportation and child custody exchanges, and requesting modifications if the other parent fails to comply. To get the trusted legal help you need, call or contact our office online. Request a consultation today with our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C