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If you’re one of many Louisiana parents who are currently navigating a divorce, your top priority is no doubt to ensure that your children’s needs are met. Even if you and your ex get along well, it’s best to have a plan in place to minimize stress and reduce chances for confusion or dispute regarding child-related issues. For example, if you’re going to be meeting on a regular basis to exchange child custody, there are several things you can do to avoid problems.

In the past, some custody exchanges have gone wrong, such as when one parent doesn’t show up. There have also been cases of violence, which show that emotions like frustration or anger can lead to serious legal problems when children are being transferred between households after a divorce. Keeping these tips in mind when you meet your ex to exchange custody can help avoid trouble.

Child custody exchanges are safest at neutral, public locations

Especially if you’re concerned about possible anger flare-ups, it’s always best to choose neutral, public locations for child custody exchanges. For example, you can agree to meet at your child’s school, a local police station or in the parking lot of a busy restaurant. The presence of other people coming and going creates a much lower risk of altercations than meeting in a remote or private setting.

Take along a witness for all custody exchanges

If you worry that your ex might try to start trouble when you meet to exchange custody, you can always make sure to have another person with you to witness the exchange. This can be a family member or a trusted friend. In fact, you and your ex can agree in writing to have a particular third party present for all custody exchanges.

Ask a proxy to go in your place

If you’re in a situation where you can barely be in the same room with your ex without arguing or you simply would rather avoid the stress of seeing your ex in person on a regular basis, you can ask another person to act on your behalf for child custody exchanges. It is best to incorporate terms for this arrangement into your child custody agreement. Your proxy can be a grandparent or other relative of your child or a trusted family friend.

Always adhere to the terms of agreement to avoid custody disputes

Being diligent to make sure you are always compliant with the terms of your child custody agreement can help avoid disputes with your ex. Always be on time for custody exchanges. Never do anything outside the scope of the court order without first obtaining the court’s approval. Even something seemingly minor like changing the time of your meeting to exchange custody requires court approval if the initial time is written in the order.

If your ex is causing problems during child custody exchanges, you can turn to Louisiana child custody laws for guidance. Since parental conflict makes it difficult for children to cope with a divorce, it’s always best to resolve child custody issues in as swift and amicable a fashion as possible, seeking additional legal support as needed.