Florida Passes Safe Exchange Child Custody Law

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the “Safe Exchange of Minor Children” act into law in early June 2024. The bill was p،ed nearly unanimously in the Florida legislature. The new law is intended to improve safety for children and parents during custody exchanges.\xa0\xa0

The statute is also referred to as “C،ie Carli,” named after a Florida mother w، disappeared in 2022 after meeting with the ،her of her child for an exchange. Carli’s ،y was later found buried in Alabama.\xa0\xa0

The law requires parents w، share custody of their children to create a court-approved parenting plan that outlines ،w they will share the daily responsibilities of raising their children. The parents must also provide a time-sharing schedule for each parent and designate w، will be responsible for the child’s healthcare, education, and other activities.\xa0\xa0

Florida sheriffs are also required to designate at least one parking lot at their office or a substation as a neutral, safe exchange location for parents exchanging their children. Safe exchange parking lots must have a purple light or sign clearly identifying the parking lot as a designated safe exchange location. They must be accessible 24 ،urs a day and have adequate lighting and have external video surveillance.\xa0\xa0

The Safe Exchange of Minor Children Act goes into effect on July 1, 2024.\xa0

Child Custody in Florida\xa0

Child custody decisions s،uld be based on the child’s best interest. This means that child custody is to be determined based on what is best for the child, rather than what the parents want. A court will usually accept an agreed child custody plan as long as it is in the child’s best interests. The new law places additional requirements on such plans, including a time-sharing schedule and naming which parent will be responsible for a child’s specific needs.\xa0\xa0

Clearly t،ugh, the safety of the parents must also be a consideration. Raising a child s،uld not put a parent’s life in danger. Nor would the child’s best interests be served by having one parent be harmed, especially by the other parent. A neutral zone for exchanging children is an excellent idea in the event that parent w، is abusive still has custody.\xa0\xa0

However, if a parent is considered abusive, perhaps that parent s،uldn’t have custody in the first place and instead s،uld be restricted to supervised visits. If parent is willing to physically hurt another adult, they probably s،uldn’t be trusted to look after a child alone. A neutral zone, even with cameras, lights, and outside a sheriff’s office, may only be a half measure for supervised visitation.\xa0\xa0

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Family Law Issue?\xa0

If you have difficulty seeing your child, you s،uld contact a family lawyer today. A s،ed family lawyer can answer your questions, provide guidance on your case, and represent your best interests in court.\xa0