If you’re a parent considering filing for a divorce in Alaska, you’ll want to think ahead regarding all the issues that will have an impact on your children’s lives. With careful planning and a strong support network, you can help your children come to terms with your divorce and adapt to a new lifestyle. A primary issue in cases like this is, of course, child custody. If you’ll be sharing custody, you will need a schedule for times and locations to transport the children from one household to the other.
In a perfect world, co-parenting and custody exchanges would always be peaceful. In reality, however, manyparents worry about potential conflict (or even danger) due to issues regarding a former spouse. If you’re in this group, you’ll want to learn more about supervised child custody transfers.
The court can order supervised child custody transfers
If you have a contentious relationship with your ex, it’s a good idea to obtain a court order regarding child custody transfers. The following list shows several reasons why a judge overseeing a custody case might order supervised custody exchanges:
- One of the parents has a history of domestic violence.
- There is a restraining order in place.
- Someone has attempted an unsupervised custody transfer and keeps disregarding the terms of agreement.
- There is evidence of parental alienation, where one parent tries to turn the children against the other.
- The parents have a history of fighting over the kids.
One or more of these issues might be relevant to your case. If so, then supervised child custody transfers can help minimize stress and ensure that both parents are adhering to the court order.
Who does the supervising?
In a supervised custody exchange, the court may appoint any number of people to supervise the transfer. There are professional services that provide supervision. If you choose to go this route, your transfers will likely take place at an exchange center. The government, a volunteer organization or a private company may offer these services. There may be a fee involved in each exchange, depending on which option you use.
You may also be able to have a trusted friend or family member supervise custody transfers. Perhaps you will drop off and pick up your children at this individual’s home. If not, then exchanges can take place at a public location, such as the parking lot of a police station or a local library. If the judge thinks it’s necessary, you and your ex might be prohibited from meeting in person for custody transfers.
Keeping children’s best interests in mind
The purpose of supervised child custody transfers is to keep children safe and to help parents avoid confrontation when conducting an exchange. It’s helpful to seek experienced guidance if you’re not sure how to request supervised transfers or what to write in your terms of agreement.
