BACK TO SCHOOL WITH SHARED CUSTODY IN 2021
It’s that time of year again, when children are heading back to school. In 2021, more than ever before, the start of the school year is stressful for parents who are changing their routines again to accommodate their children’s school attendance. There are new policies and recommendations in place due to the COVID-19 virus which made remote schooling from home necessary in 2020.
This school year, the initial focus has been about facemasks and other proposed means of keeping schoolmates healthy. Fathers and mothers need to pay special attention to the school’s policies and any effect that differences may have on their child’s education. Ideally, parents will be monitoring their child’s progress together.
Most separated and divorced parents have shared legal custody which generally means that they are responsible for working together to make the best decisions for their child’s education and other needs. It is important to develop an effective method of communicating with the other parent about educational setbacks and accomplishments. Many parents also have shared physical custody, and they often manage custody exchange times to match the start and end of the school day. If you are parents of a child with disabilities, you can find more about relevant laws and information here: BACK TO SCHOOL: CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES – The Mazza Law Group, P.C.
With some advance planning for school and guidance from a lawyer about your shared custodial responsibilities, it is possible to make the grade as A+ parents. The key in “sharing” legal and physical custody is to actually play the role rather than simply accept the title of joint custodian. A lawyer may be able to help develop a parenting plan that properly identifies the responsibilities of both parents in education, sports and extracurricular activities that are associated with school.
Here are some tips for parents to make a smooth transition to the new school year with shared custody rights and responsibilities.
For advice and information about custody, divorce and other family law issues, contact the Mazza Law Group and arrange a meeting with an experienced family law attorney.