The days you hand over your children to their other parent or pick them up from them can be among the hardest to manage after a divorce. This may be one of the few times you come face to face with the person you used to be married to, and as such they may milk that opportunity for all it is worth to upset you.
Here are a few things to watch out for on handover days:
They constantly turn up late
If your co-parent continually turns up late, think of ways to not let their tardiness bother you. Maybe schedule handovers at the same time as coffee with a friend, so you are happily occupied while waiting, rather than looking at your watch. Or make them come to your home, so you can be inside getting on with life without having to wait. Also, avoid scheduling it when you have places to be, such as work to get to.
They say things that cause arguments
Maybe they always try to pick a fight about something or use the opportunity to complain about something and try to make you look bad in front of the kids. Set some ground rules, such as not discussing anything at the actual handover and raising any grievances by email instead.
They leave you feeling vulnerable
Maybe your co-parent used to abuse or manipulate you. In this case, you may feel safer having someone else do the handovers for you so that you do not have to come in direct contact with them.
There are many things to consider when drafting custody and parenting arrangements. Having experienced legal guidance can help you understand your options.