Avoiding Conflicts In Virginia Child Custody Exchanges
In Virginia Family Court cases involving divorcing or single parents, child custody is a common point of contention. While judges generally encourage joint parenting, implementing these arrangements often proves challenging.
Child custody exchanges are one of the areas in which disputes are most likely to arise. Our Virginia child custody attorney explains common problems you may encounter, how to avoid them, and the legal options available.
Common Problems In Virginia Child Custody Exchanges
When parents divorce or are single and not living together, the court’s primary concern is protecting the child’s best interests. Under the Virginia Code, ongoing contact with each party is generally encouraged via shared parenting or regular visitation schedules.
Unfortunately, hard feelings about the breakup can easily spill over into the current situation and often complicate the situation. This is particularly true when it comes to Virginia child custody exchanges, which handle the transfer of the child between each parent’s home. Among the common problems that arise during these exchanges include:
- Being routinely late for pick-ups or drop-offs;
- Not showing up and making last-minute changes;
- Bringing new partners, family members, or friends to exchanges, further complicating the situation;
- Failing to properly prepare the child for exchanges, such as leaving behind clothing, electronics, or homework;
- Using custody exchanges to address heated subjects, provoke arguments, or make threats.
How To Address Conflict In Virginia Custody Exchanges
When negotiating child custody through the Virginia Family Court, it is important to include provisions for child custody exchanges as part of these arrangements. When making these plans, the following tips can help minimize the potential for conflict:
- Pick a neutral location, such as a school, police station, or other public place;
- Pick a place central to each parent’s home, accounting for traffic and other factors;
- Pick exchange times that work for both your own and the child’s schedules;
- Communicate in writing, such as via text, email, or parenting apps, and confirm custody exchanges, which reduces the chance of miscommunications and provides a record of interactions;
- Keep custody exchanges brief and focused on the child, avoiding personal grievances;
- Have a trusted family member or other third party nearby if problems arise.
If conflict persists and custody exchanges continue to be a source of stress, legal intervention may be necessary. Depending on the specific problem, you may request custody modifications or supervised exchanges, which help prevent bad behavior and hold the other parent responsible.
For Trusted, Experienced Legal Help, Contact Our Virginia Child Custody Attorney
Child custody is one of the most sensitive and potentially contentious issues the Virginia Family Court deals with. Problems often arise during custody exchanges, which can impact your rights and may put both you and your child at risk.
Ensuring smooth and conflict-free custody exchanges is crucial for your child’s well-being. When problems arise, get trusted, experienced legal help from Schwartz Kalina, PLLC. Call our office or contact us online today to request a consultation with our Virginia child custody attorney.
Sources:
law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title20/chapter6.1/section20-124.2/
loudoun.gov/114/Juvenile-Domestic-Relations-District-Cou
