Tragic NC Case Highlights the Importance of Safe Practices During Child Custody Exchanges

In the best circumstances, parents of minor children who live apart are able to put their differences aside long enough to interact civilly in situations involving their sons and daughters. Sadly, this is not always the case. When emotions run high among co-parents and possibly other family members, problems can arise during the times when children go from one home to the other. Recently in North Carolina, one of these custody exchanges turned deadly. 

During a handoff, a man in Apex struck the maternal grandmother of his child with his car, resulting in her death. To prevent such tragedies and create a stable environment for children, parents should use patience and planning to decrease tension during child custody exchanges. A well-crafted parenting plan is a critical first step. You should have detailed arrangements addressing the timing, location and procedure for handoffs. It might also be prudent to outline acceptable interactions between parents and other family members during exchanges. For example, you and your ex could include language promising not to discuss disagreements over child support or other issues at these transfers. 

For parents with a history of conflict or concerns about safety, there are suitable options. Public places such as police stations, libraries or community centers provide a neutral and safe environment for handoffs. In fact, some municipalities have established safe zones with camera surveillance to discourage misconduct during these encounters. Should there be a threat of violence, supervised exchanges through a third party or a professional service might be warranted.

Parents should strive to keep interactions brief, respectful and focused on the child. Additionally, parents are advised to be mindful of their child’s emotional needs during handoffs. Transitions between households can be difficult for children, so maintaining a calm and positive demeanor can help ease the process. Consistency in the exchange routine can also provide a sense of stability and security.

The Moore Law Office, PLLC in Asheville provides comprehensive counsel to North Carolina parents on child custody matters, including parameters for when children move between homes. Contact us by calling 828-258-8053 or use our online form to set an initial consultation.