Life can get a bit more complicated after a divorce, especially for parents. They often have to share custody of their children. This could include physical custody – where the child lives – and legal custody, which focuses on making decisions – like where the child goes to school.
In fact, this is one of the reasons why it may be wise to talk to your child’s teacher or the school about an upcoming divorce. There’s no legal requirement for you to do so, but it can help to notify the teacher.
In addition to potential academic or behavioral issues that the teacher may see, there could also be a practical impact on your life. You and your ex are now sharing custody, so it can help to tell the school what that custody arrangement looks like and what to expect as far as pick-ups and drop-offs.
Why would this get complicated?
For many divorced parents, things do go smoothly. If you and your ex are the only ones dropping off or picking up your children, as long as the school knows what to expect, there’s not an issue.
But things won’t always be this simple. Say that you have to work during the day, so you’ve hired a babysitter or a nanny. Or perhaps you’re getting help raising the child from extended family members, like the child’s grandparents. Are grandparents or babysitters allowed to pick the children up from school? Does the school need to have a list of approved individuals who have the right to do so?
Schools often focus on keeping children safe, and you want to make sure that the legal child custody arrangement is being followed correctly. As such, it’s important to know what legal options you have as you address this issue and create your parenting plan.
