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need info on recording exchanges in NJ

SheScreamsinSil's picture

Submitted by SheScreamsinSil on Tue, 05/15/2012 - 12:32pm

Hi folks. Looking for anyone experienced in recording exchanges. What type of equipment do you use? Any other advice?

We need to start documenting exchanges to avoid false charges.

Thanks!

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stepmama2one's picture

Submitted by stepmama2one on Tue, 05/15/2012 - 12:35pm

How do you do the exchanges? Do you meet somewhere in which only the child gets out of the car? Do you go pick/drop off the child at BM's house or does she do the transportation?

SheScreamsinSil's picture

Submitted by SheScreamsinSil on Tue, 05/15/2012 - 12:38pm

The child is a baby, less than a year old. The retrieving parent goes to the other parent's house to pick up.

Ideally, we also need to start recording all phone calls and texts too. I guess Google Voice would work for that.

stepmama2one's picture

Submitted by stepmama2one on Tue, 05/15/2012 - 12:44pm

Leave a video camera on the car dash and make the parent, the child is with, bring the child to the car. Just leave the camera on the dash. If BM says anything just say its there to make sure no problems arise in the future. Or carry a voice recorder with you in your pocket and have it on anytime BM is around you during exchanges.

SheScreamsinSil's picture

Submitted by SheScreamsinSil on Tue, 05/15/2012 - 12:40pm

I'm not sure if this is the right place to get this info. I've been a lurker for ages. I wish the PEW site were still up...I feel like those folks would also be a source of useful info.

NCMilGal's picture

Submitted by NCMilGal on Tue, 05/15/2012 - 1:20pm

This is a dad's forum, but since the courts are so mom-centric, there is a LOT of advice on how to document.

http://www.dadsdivorce.com/father_divorce_forum/index.php

They recommend a phone recorder for phone conversations, and a plain voice recorder for any time you're going to be face-to-face. NJ appears to be a "one-party" state, where only one side of the phone conversation needs to be aware of the recording. (Wire-tap laws are meant to prohibit outside agencies from recording both sides of a conversation while both parties are unaware - recording a conversation for your own protection does not fall under that)

I got a couple of recording devices for our phones, but DH refuses to use them. He "forgets". Jackass. He's had BM admit to him multiple times that she beats his daughter, but can he get it on record? No.

Thiskidwilldrivemecrazy's picture

Submitted by Thiskidwilldriv... on Tue, 05/15/2012 - 1:25pm

if you have a smartphone, check ou the app center...I found an app a few weeks ago that will record both sides of a conversation on any calls to/from a given phone number!

SheScreamsinSil's picture

Submitted by SheScreamsinSil on Tue, 05/15/2012 - 2:29pm

Awesome! Thank you guys! I will review all of this info. I'm already looking at digital voice recorders. Not sure if it could be smuggled between the "girls", but we'll figure SOMETHING out.

SMof2Girls's picture

Submitted by SMof2Girls on Tue, 05/15/2012 - 2:51pm

Check your local laws. I live in a dual-consent state, it is illegal to record conversations without permission of BOTH parties; so you'd have to clearly tell them that they are being recorded and they would have to agree to it. Otherwise, you'll end up with useless recordings and/or a criminal charge against you.

realitycheckmom's picture

Submitted by realitycheckmom on Tue, 05/15/2012 - 3:40pm

I have used a digital recorder from Walmart in my jeans pocket. Make sure you are in a state that you don't need to inform all parties that are being recorded. Also to skirt around the consent you can accidently record with your phone. It's amazing how many people hit the wrong button or it gets hit while in your pocket.