On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Thursday, May 5, 2016.
Continuing legal challenges regarding parenting issues after divorce are enough to impede anyone’s ability to move forward in life in a healthy, successful manner. Issues involving child custody or visitation in Missouri and beyond are intensely personal and often evoke strong emotions in parents. Sadly, some situations erupt with anger and may even become dangerous if a parent responds violently to an issue.
Apparently, a group of people in another state recognized a need with regard to providing a safer way for parents to meet for scheduled supervised visits with their children after divorce. A safe place was set up that includes a room guarded by a police officer who passes a search wand over every parent who enters. Parents must also give the officer their car keys until they leave, which was instituted as a means of preventing child abductions.
A concerned parent who must drop off a child for a scheduled visit but is uncomfortable having contact with a former spouse may arrange to meet at the safe place to help the exchange run more smoothly. Each parent is apparently assigned to a separate parking lot and entrance to avoid altercations outside the building. Reportedly, some local police departments have also advertised their offices as places for safe exchanges.
If a Missouri parent has questions about court-ordered visitation or is in need of legal support regarding custody or related issues, a family law attorney would be able to offer guidance. An attorney would also be able clarify state and federal laws governing such matters. In addition, he or she would most likely be aware of any local programs available to a client that are similar to those mentioned above.
Source: wtsp.com, “Separated couples get safe place for child exchanges“, Isabel Mancarenas, May 2, 2016