We have reiterated time and time again throughout this blog exactly how difficult child custody can be in Texas. Some couples can split amicably and there are no subsequent problems in collaborating on an agreement for child custody and visitation. However, for others in Texas, child custody it is an entirely different story, and often the most contentious aspect of a couple’s split. For some, even thinking about an ex feels excruciating, much less seeing them to exchange the child for visitation rights.
Typically, exes that do not get along are uninterested in picking their child up at the house of their former spouse. For this reason, parents will often arrange to meet at a public place, such as a local gas station or restaurant. Often, parents try to keep as far apart as possible. This means that children can be left to shuffle back and forth between vehicles, sometimes in highly trafficked areas. Owing to this, parents could be inadvertently putting their possibly young child in the way of harm.
An out-of-state county Sheriff’s office noticed a growing trend in exchanges of this nature, and determined a solution. A monitored exchange zone was erected with two parking spots separated by a neutral orange zone. The parents can park on either side of the neutral zone so the child only has to walk a short distance, well away from the harm of traffic.
This is a new concept, but it may be one that catches on and spreads to other areas of the country, including Harris County and other parts of Texas. While divorce can be difficult, the best interest of the child always needs to be paramount.
Source: WBAY, “First 24/7 Child Custody Exchange Zone,” Jennifer Wilson, Nov. 2, 2012
- Our firm has experience fighting for child custody and visitation. For more information, please visit our Houston child custody page.
