A Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO) is meant to protect alleged victims of domestic violence from further harm. But when the people involved share children, things can get complicated. In Minnesota, violating a DANCO—even unintentionally—is a serious criminal offense.
Many parents struggle to follow the order while still managing child custody exchanges or visitation.
Understanding how to safely coordinate child exchanges under a DANCO can protect you from criminal charges and help keep your custody rights intact.
Contact a criminal defense lawyer.
What is a DANCO in Minnesota?
A Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO) is a court order that prohibits a defendant from having any contact with a protected person—often a spouse, partner, or co-parent—after a domestic violence arrest or conviction.
It can:
- Ban all direct contact (in person, phone, text, email, or social media)
- Prohibit indirect contact through friends, family, or third parties
- Include restrictions on shared residences or child exchanges
Violating a DANCO is a crime, even if the contact was peaceful or initiated by the protected person. (See Minn. Stat. § 629.75)
If you’re facing charges related to a DANCO, visit our Minneapolis domestic violence attorney page to understand your rights.
Why child exchanges can lead to violations
Child exchanges often create gray areas. Even when both parents agree that contact is necessary to coordinate visits, a DANCO overrides that agreement. Any contact with the protected party—no matter how minor—can lead to arrest.
Common mistakes include:
- Texting or calling the other parent about pick-up times
- Showing up early or late to an exchange
- Passing messages through children
- Being in the same location for too long during drop-offs
Even an accidental encounter in public may result in police involvement if it violates the order.
How to handle child exchanges safely under a DANCO
If a DANCO is in place, there are safe and legal ways to coordinate child exchanges without violating the order.
1. Use a neutral third party
Arrange for a friend, relative, or family member to handle drop-offs and pick-ups. They can also communicate scheduling details on your behalf.
2. Exchange children in a supervised setting
Courts may allow exchanges at neutral, supervised exchange centers, which are designed for safety and compliance.
You can find a list of Minnesota supervised visitation and exchange centers through Minnesota Judicial Branch Family Court Services.
3. Communicate through your lawyer or the court
If changes to the schedule are needed, have your attorney or a court-appointed parenting coordinator handle communication. Never contact the protected person directly.
4. Request a modification or exception through the court
In some cases, the court may modify the DANCO to allow limited contact for child exchanges, usually with specific terms. This must be done formally through a motion, not by informal agreement.
A Minnesota family law attorney can help you request a modification safely.
5. Document everything
Keep written records of exchange arrangements, court communications, and compliance efforts. Documentation can help show good faith if questions arise later.
Consequences of violating a DANCO
Even a technical or accidental violation can lead to serious penalties:
- First offense: Up to 1 year in jail and a $3,000 fine
- Repeat or felony-level violation: Up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
- Impact on custody: Violations can harm your standing in family court and lead to stricter custody conditions or supervised visitation
Courts and prosecutors take these violations seriously, especially when children are involved.
If you’ve been accused of violating a DANCO, speak immediately with a Minneapolis criminal defense attorney who understands both criminal and family law.
Key takeaways
- A DANCO prohibits all contact, even for child exchanges, unless the court allows exceptions.
- Violating a DANCO—intentionally or not—is a criminal offense in Minnesota.
- Safer options include using neutral third parties, supervised exchange centers, or attorney-facilitated communication.
- You can petition the court to modify or clarify your DANCO for parenting purposes, but do not take action on your own.
For legal help protecting your parental rights while staying compliant, contact Martine Law today.
FAQs About DANCO Violations and Child Exchanges in Minnesota
Can I text or email my co-parent if we only talk about the kids?
No. Any contact—even about children—violates a DANCO unless a court specifically authorizes it.
What if my co-parent reaches out first?
You still cannot respond. Only the court can lift or modify the DANCO. Responding puts you at risk of arrest.
Can I get my DANCO modified for parenting purposes?
Yes. Your lawyer can file a motion requesting limited contact or supervised exchanges.
What if the exchange location is unsafe or inconvenient?
You can request a court-approved alternative. Never make changes privately with the other parent.
Can a DANCO affect custody decisions?
Yes. Violating or ignoring a DANCO can negatively impact your custody or visitation rights. Courts often view violations as evidence of poor judgment or instability.