I don’t want to do changeovers at home. Do I have to?

Homes are places where we all need to feel that we can relax and be safe. Unfortunately, family conflict can creep in and make our homes a place of misery. It is not unusual to want to reclaim this peace in your home after a separation, and keeping certain people away may be a part of this.

Whether you want to do changeovers that are at either house is a tradeoff between convenience and the discomfort it may raise. If your relationship with the other parent has a low level of conflict, it may be convenient and easy to do changeovers on doorsteps. Changeovers are regular and ongoing until the children are all adults, and so convenience is a factor.

However, if there is a risk that changeovers may start arguments or confrontation, it may be best to do these in a public place. This keeps the conflict away from your home and may help prevent outbursts through using a public setting. Some people like to choose venues where they know there will be security cameras.

There is no requirement to do changeovers at home and you should not be pressured into any arrangements that make you uncomfortable.

If you are feeling unsafe, in that you are being stalked or are at risk of violence, please call the police. If you are not comfortable calling the police, we can give you a referral to a family violence service. It is not worth taking a risk with the safety of yourself, your children, or even your pets.

If you would like to know how mediation can work in your situation, please contact our office for a free fifteen minute phone consultation.