Where is a safe place for a custody exchange?

Busy, well-lit public places with cameras are a common choice. Many police stations have a marked safe exchange spot in the lobby or parking lot. Courthouses work during business hours. Always follow what your court order says about the place.

Does the DMF finder save my location?

No. Your location is only used on your phone to search. It is not saved or sent to DMF.

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Safe Exchange Spots Near You

Q: Can I do a custody exchange at a police station?

Many police stations allow it, and some have marked safe exchange zones. Not every station is staffed around the clock, so call the non-emergency number first and ask.

Handoffs go better in the right place. Find police stations and courthouses near you for safer custody exchanges, especially when things are tense. Free, and your location stays on your phone.

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Start with your order

If your custody order or parenting plan names a place for exchanges, that's the place. If you both want to change it, get it in writing, and ask a lawyer or your court's self-help center how to make it official in your state.

Good places for a handoff

Police station safe exchange spots

Many police departments have a marked "safe exchange" spot in the lobby or parking lot, often with cameras. Not every station is staffed around the clock, so call the non-emergency number first and ask.

Courthouses

Public, staffed and on camera, but only during business hours.

Supervised exchange centers

Some counties have family centers where staff handle the handoff so parents don't have to meet. A court may order this. Search "supervised exchange" and your county, or ask your court's family self-help center.

Busy public places

If your order allows it, a well-lit, busy spot with cameras can work. Pick one close to the middle for both of you.

Tips for a calm exchange

Be on time. Early is better. It's your time with your kids.
Park where cameras can see you. Stay in your car if things feel tense.
Keep it short. A smile for the kids, a "see you Sunday," and go.
Never argue in front of your child. Save the hard talks for a calm message later.
Write it down after. On time, late or no-show, log it in the free Custody Journal with the date and time.
Know the schedule. The free Custody Calendar shows whose day it is, holidays included.

Common questions

Can I do a custody exchange at a police station?

Many stations allow it, and some have marked spots. Call the non-emergency number first to make sure someone's there.

Does DMF check these places?

No. DMF doesn't check or vouch for any spot. The map comes from OpenStreetMap, a free community map, so a few places may be missing or out of date.

Does the finder save my location?

No. Your location is only used on your phone to search. It's not saved or sent to DMF. See our privacy policy.

More free tools

Custody JournalLog every exchange in under a minute. Custody CalendarWhose day is it? Holidays too. Message templatesCalm messages for schedule changes. Things to do this weekendFree and cheap ideas with your kids.

In danger now? Call 911. Domestic violence, any gender: 1-800-799-7233. Child abuse: Childhelp 1-800-422-4453. Crisis: call or text 988.

Dads Moving Forward is a community for every father. General information only, not legal advice.