Regardless of whether your divorce is amicable, there are likely to be some feelings of bitterness and resentment between exes. This can result in significant obstacles for couples who are divorced, especially those who have children together. While the marriage may indeed be over, it is important that you both work together if you share a child. If parents do not get along, custody exchanges can become uncivil relatively quickly. Keep reading to learn a few tips to help these exchanges remain as civil as possible.

Prepare for the Exchange

Before your ex to arrives to pick your child, make sure that your child has everything needed packed up and is ready to go. If necessary, you may want to create a list of things that your child will need to pack every time so that he or she can just check it off the list as it is packed. On this list, you may want to include clothes, toys, medications, schoolwork, and other items that you deem necessary for your individual situation. If your child is prone to forgetting things, you may want to double-check his or her bag prior to your ex arriving, which can minimize contact and ease tension during the swap.

Set Up the Exchange in Public

Exchanging children in a public setting typically forces both of the parents to remain as civil as possible in an attempt to avoid making a scene. There are many settings in which a custody exchange can take place, including at school, daycare, or another neutral location. School works nicely because one parent can drop the child off in the morning and the other parent can pick the child up at the end of the school day. Daycare works in a similar way as school. A neutral location, such as a coffee shop, restaurant, or police station, may be beneficial for parents when school or daycare is not an option.

Include a Third Party in the Exchange

Similar to the way a public setting will increase the chances of parents being on their best behavior, the same can be said when someone else is present for the exchange. Therefore, you may want to consider having a mutual acquaintance present during the exchange. In the event that things do get out of hand, there will be a witness who can offer an accurate account of the events that transpired.

If you are having problems with your existing custody arrangement or need assistance drafting a custody agreement, contact a family law attorney.