As summer comes to an end and with autumn right around the corner, Massachusetts residents will once again face the uncertain weather patterns and dramatic daily changes that the end of the year brings. Divorced parents are wise to consider numerous factors that might impact how smoothly a child custody exchange might work.
Divorced parents will take the time to develop a strong parenting time agreement that factors numerous complexities and contingencies. Unfortunately, dangerous weather can crop up and devastate even the best plans. Here are three tips to consider:
- Alternate locations: While the original plan might have been to drop the children at each other’s homes, when weather turns bad, it is wise to have secondary locations in which to meet. For example, you can list two or three locations that might be more central and easier to get to such as a local strip center. Additionally, having the exchange happen at school could be a good idea. One parent drops the child off and the other parent picks the child up.
- Acceptable proxies: It might also be wise to list a few acceptable exchange proxies. From close friends to trusted family members, it might be possible that one of these individuals can complete the exchange in place of a parent.
- Communication is key: With so many options available, it is crucial that parents have a quick discussion about what is their preferred method of communication. From email and texting to phone calls, everyone favors different communication methods. By the same token, when a weather emergency is on the horizon, the couple need to stay in constant communication. Are they stuck in traffic? Are their neighborhood roads impassable?
A couple facing the divorce process will have to negotiate numerous complex factors. From property division and spousal support to parenting time and child support, the divorce process is complicated by several decisions. Unfortunately, even drafting the most detailed parenting time plan possible, parents might need to make slight alterations in the future.
