“Safe Zones” for Child Custody Exchanges Now Available Throughout Florida
In a divorce involving children, the parents will often share custody of the kids. This means dropping them off with the other parent at a safe location. This is important because believe it or not, parents have been killed during custody exchanges.
To make child dropoffs safer for all involved, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 385 last month. Also referred to as “Cassie Carli’s Law,” in remembrance of Carli, who disappeared in 2022 after exchanging her toddler daughter in a restaurant parking lot. Her body was found in Alabama six weeks later.
Thanks to the law, there are now designated areas, or “safe zones,” at sheriff’s offices throughout Florida. Divorced or separated parents who share custody can safely exchange their children at these locations. These safe zones have adequate lighting and purple signage or lights. There is also 24/7 recording video surveillance, with the recordings retained for at least 45 days.
While use of these safe zones is not typically required, there may be an exception if there is substantial evidence that there is a risk or an imminent threat of harm to one parent or the child during the exchange. The courts will identify high-conflict families who will need to use these safe zones for exchanges.
Many people are in favor of this law, stating that it makes child custody exchanges much safer. People do not always realize how dangerous custody exchanges can be. In Florida, there have been instances of fights and gun violence involving the parents.
Under the law, sheriff’s offices must have at least one safe zone location. However, there are currently 12; one at every substation. The safe zone can be used to not only exchange children, but also to buy or exchange products you buy online. The sheriff applauds DeSantis for creating this law.
The new law also requires parents who share custody to create a parenting plan that details how they will share the daily responsibilities of raising the child. This plan must be approved by the court.
While these safe zones are a great tool, they are not foolproof. Even though these safe zones no doubt make custody exchanges safer and easier, an abuser who truly wants to harm their ex-spouse or children will find a way to do so. Therefore, everyone should remain vigilant and trust their gut.
You should always be attuned to your surroundings when dealing with an ex-partner. While you should use all the tools available to you to help you be safer, you still have to use your own judgment. If you ever feel unsafe, do not exchange your child and instead contact the police.
Seek Legal Help
Having children means the parents have to stay involved until at least the child turns 18 years old. This can be stressful in a split or divorce, especially if abuse was a problem during the marriage.
If you are dealing with child custody disputes, seek legal help from Fort Lauderdale child custody lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. Call 954-764-4330 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.
Source:
fox13news.com/news/new-law-creates-child-custody-exchange-safe-zones-sheriffs-offices
