Back-to-School: School Choice, Schedules, and Logistics

The end of summer means a return to school. Separated or divorce parents often face unique challenges in ensuring that their children transition into the school year smoothly. From determining who is doing what, where school and extracurriculars will take place, whose work schedule may need to shift – it’s a lot to manage.

The best way to avoid surprises is to mindfully work toward preparedness. It is smart to think through issues regarding school choice, any necessary modifications to custody arrangements, upcoming costs, and logistics.

Check the Custody Order of Parenting Plan

Take a close look at your custody order or parenting plan as the answers to many of your questions may very well be spelled out.

Many parents address extracurricular activities and school choice in their custody order or parenting plan. The plan may specify what institution extracurriculars will occur in, who will pay what costs, who is expected to attend/pick up at what dates and times. This makes expectations very clear and takes away the stress and need of guesswork.

Sometimes life throws a curveball that require modifications to the custody order or parenting plan.  A new job, changing work hours, or even a child who suddenly wants to participate in a new extracurricular activity may require modification.  Minor changes can often be handled between the parents.  However, bigger changes may require formal modifications with lawyers involved.

School Choice: Who Gets to Decide?

Recent separation or divorce could lead to difficult choices on where the children will go to school. Whether a parent has sole legal custody or joint legal custody will matter. Typically, the parent with sole legal custody will make the choice. However, parents with joint legal custody must make the choice together.  If they disagree, a judge will make the final choice to determine what serves the best interests of the child.  The court process for school choice can take several months to over a year to resolve and so if you believe you and your co-parent will not agree on a school choice for your child, it is best to seek legal guidance as soon as possible.

Tuition, School Supplies, and Logistics

Back-to-school expenses can add up quickly. An agreement may already be in place that addresses which parent will cover the costs that come with back-to0school, but not all do. Sometimes parents do not think of these costs, or of extracurricular costs such as uniforms and supplies, until they are called upon to foot the bill. Communication can go a long way, and if that is not enough, the court can be called upon to handle these issues.  The key is to implementing a detailed custody order or parenting plan to avoid surprises that could lead to bigger conflicts down the road.

Back-to-school season should be exciting and not stressful.  Clear agreements and open communication help your child feel secure and supported.  If you find yourself facing disputes over school choice, extracurricular activities, or unexpected costs, do not wait until the situation escalates.  Getting legal guidance as soon as possible can save time, money, and unnecessary stress.

Contact Cardwell Steigerwald Young, LLP

At Cardwell Steigerwald Young LLP, we help parents create and manage custody agreements.  Whether you are deciding school choice, handling scheduling conflicts, or reworking extracurricular activities and financial responsibilities, our San Francisco custody attorneys are here to help.

Sources:

selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/child-custody

selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/request-for-order/custody-visitation/prepare-agreement