A fair meeting point for custody exchanges
Calculated by real drive time from each parent's address — not a straight line on a map — so the exchange location doesn't quietly favor one side, exchange after exchange.
Why the halfway point matters
When one parent drives 10 minutes and the other drives 45, that imbalance adds up over months and years of exchanges — and it's an easy, avoidable source of friction. A genuinely fair midpoint, based on actual drive time rather than a rough guess, gives both of you a starting point that's hard to argue is unfair.
Choosing a good exchange location
- Public and well-lit. A busy retail center, diner, or library — somewhere with other people around.
- Consistent. Using the same spot every time keeps the routine predictable for your kids.
- Camera coverage, if conflict is high. Many families use a police station, fire station, or a parking lot with visible security cameras.
- Neutral. Not either parent's home or workplace — a third location keeps it from feeling like "your territory."
Frequently asked questions
How do you pick a fair meeting point for a custody exchange?
We calculate the point along the real driving route where both parents have spent the same amount of time behind the wheel, then look for a real public spot there — so neither parent is stuck with the longer drive, exchange after exchange.
What makes a good custody exchange location?
Public, well-lit, and consistent are the big three — a place you can use every time so the routine stays predictable for your kids. Many families use a parking lot with security cameras (a police station, fire station, or busy retail center) especially in higher-conflict situations.
Can this replace what our parenting plan or court order requires?
No — if your custody agreement or a court order specifies an exchange location, that takes precedence. This tool is for finding a fair starting point to propose or for exchanges where you and your co-parent are free to choose.
This tool helps you find a fair location to propose — it isn't legal advice, and any location specified in your parenting plan or a court order takes precedence.
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