For many separated and divorced parents, custody exchanges of their children can be highly unpleasant and even contentious. If this is the only time they see each other, tensions can flare, and they can end up in an argument. Sometimes, these exchanges can even turn violent.
That’s why there are “safe exchange” points where parents can meet in a neutral spot that has surveillance, good lighting and possibly even law enforcement nearby.
What does the law do?
Earlier this year, Florida enacted a law that provides more safe exchange spots throughout the state. This includes all sheriff’s departments, which must “designate at least one parking lot … as a neutral safe exchange location at which parents … may meet to exchange the minor child.” These parking lots must meet specific guidelines, including video cameras and lighting.
The new law also details more guidelines for judges to order supervised custody exchanges when it’s deemed that there’s a risk of harm to a parent or child. For example, they can order that exchanges be made only in authorized locations “unless otherwise agreed to by both parents in writing.”
The law resulted from – and was named for – a Florida woman who went missing after meeting her former boyfriend for a custody exchange of their child. She was later found dead, and the boy’s father has been charged with her kidnapping and death.
Safe exchange isn’t the same as supervised visitation
Of course, anyone who believes their co-parent is a risk to their child can seek to mandate supervised visitation. In these situations, a parent can only have contact with their child within the bounds of the court-ordered visitation requirements.
This could mean simply that another family member must be present. In some cases, a parent and child can only spend time together in locations set up for supervised parent-child visits where their interactions are overseen by others.
If you want to seek to limit your custody exchanges to these safe exchange points, it’s crucial to present evidence to a judge so that this mandate can be codified. Having legal guidance can help you make the strongest possible case.