Naples Child Custody Attorney Offers 5 Tips to Help Divorced Parents Handle School Demands
It is no secret that divorce is a stressful experience – especially for parents. In the midst of the financial and personal struggles, it can be difficult to remain objective. Unfortunately, a small mistake can threaten your interests, which is why the help of a child custody attorney may prove invaluable.
If you have questions about the divorce process in Florida, contact the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, PA. Mr. Raheb is a child custody lawyer in Naples who can demystify the legal side of ending a marriage.
Call 866-949-0888 to schedule a free consultation. You can also learn more about Florida’s divorce laws by visiting the USAttorneys website.
If you are a divorcing parent, here are five tips to help you manage your child’s school demands:
- Create a plan for the entire school year.
Meet with your ex to create a comprehensive plan for the entire school year. Bring a copy of the school calendar, which you should be able to download from the school’s website. Outline a time-sharing plan for school holidays, long weekends and other breaks. Be sure to keep the schedule within your custody arrangement.
Keep in mind: You can always change the calendar that you develop with your ex. It is important for both of you to be flexible and willing to compromise. During the year, it may be necessary to make some changes, but having a general plan can prevent confusion and disagreements.
- Determine who will pick up the child and when.
You will need to fill out forms at the start of each school year. The school requires your child’s primary and secondary addresses, as well as contact details for both parents. You will also have to work out who is responsible for picking up the child every day from school, and let the school know which adults may or may not perform this duty.
You and your ex should work together to make pick-ups and drop-offs as seamless as possible. You must have an agreement that caters for the unforeseen. Both parents should agree on a plan to handle situations that interfere with normal pick-up routines, such as illnesses or emergencies.
- Do not make custody swaps at school.
Although school seems like a practical place for a custody swap, this is often a bad idea. Encounters with exes can be tense, and making a scene at school can embarrass you, your former spouse and the child.
- Do not use the child to communicate with the other parent.
Communication about school is important between parents, but it is not fair to ask children to relay your messages. If you need to adjust the pick-up schedule, for example, contact your ex directly. It is not the child’s responsibility to remind parents of special events and school meetings.
- Get involved in your child’s homework.
The custodial parent usually has the bulk of the homework duty. Homework assignments rarely make it into a custody agreement because this responsibility falls on the parent caring for the child when the homework is due. Overseeing your child’s homework can provide additional stability and consistency, and when both parents are involved, children tend to perform better.
If you are facing divorce in Florida, contact the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, PA. Mr. Raheb is a child custody attorney in Naples who can represent your interests. Call 866-949-0888 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.