Divorced parents of minor children must continue to have some interaction to fulfill their co-parenting duties. When two people ended a relationship because they could not get along, the exchange of children between households can create ongoing friction. As you develop your co-parenting plan, you can take steps to reduce confusion about who transports children and when. Furthermore, if you anticipate that your former partner may use contact during drop-offs as an opportunity to antagonize or threaten you, then you could choose a neutral drop off location in the area of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Set up a safe visitation transfer process
A neutral location away from either parental residence can help you feel safer. Locations already used by the family court for supervised visitation may serve as a place to exchange your children. Your attorney or a family court clerk could recommend approved locations for this activity. Minnesota’s child protection services could supply safe places where you could hand off children or pick them up. You may also succeed by choosing a public location between the two parental households.
Document every detail about child transportation
Your child custody agreement should include clear directions about how and when parents exchange children. Getting everything in writing within the court order aids enforcement if someone will not comply with the terms. The written agreement may also prevent disputes if someone wants to change plans, forgets what to do or complains about transportation costs.
Within the agreement, you need to specify all parental responsibilities regarding transportation. You can establish who pays for transportation and exactly where and when children should be dropped off. Additionally, the document can include a process for informing the other parent about running late for a drop-off or pickup.
Negotiate for future success
Legal representation may empower you if you have difficulty expressing your needs with a former partner. A family law attorney may propose practical compromises if discussions break down. A law office may also connect you with mediation services that often assist parents with the negotiation of a workable parenting plan.
