It is the bustling time of year when families and children are all getting ready to return to school! From supplies lists and uniforms to backpacks and school fees, families with separate households have additional items to check off the list. We are here to help you navigate child custody as you head into the new school year.
Co-parenting is probably most important when coordinating childrens’ school schedules. Make sure to look at current custody and visitation orders to see who is responsible for what. Here are some questions to ask yourself that should always be part of your back-to-school preparations:
Who drops off?
Look at the current custody and visitation orders to see who is responsible for dropping off and picking up on what weekday. Make sure you can accommodate for that schedule by notifying your work or making other arrangements. Let your co-parent know if you need to make any modifications and try to resolve any differences amicably.
What are the after-school plans?
Many kids need after-school or before-school care. The options for these accommodations vary a great deal, and it is important to confirm those arrangements. Whether it is on-site after-school care, a nanny, or an offsite facility, make sure to confirm that all contracts are signed, that enrollments are filled out, and that the contact information includes both parents. Confirm arrangements with your co-parent so that each parent knows where his or her child will be at all times and where pick-up needs to take place.
Are there special considerations for three-day weekends?
While looking at the current custody and visitation orders, it is important to see how three-day weekends are treated according to the schedule. While some orders extend weekend visitation by 24 hours to accommodate for a three-day weekend, others do not. Once again, if there is an issue with pick up on a day that school is not in session, reach out to your co-parent to come up with an alternative you are both comfortable with, and that will ensure care for your child.
What do we do for holiday time?
Most custody orders specify how holiday time off will be divided by parents. Look at your current custody schedule. If it is not specific, discuss how that time will be divided, including early time off at school. See if a parenting coordinator can help If an agreement cannot be reached. If an agreement still cannot be reached, you may need a judge to decide how the holiday time will be divided. Be sure to discuss a proposed holiday plan with your attorney if one is needed.
Who pays for supplies?
The start of a new school year also provides many expenses, including clothes, uniforms, backpacks, shoes, agendas, yearbooks, pictures, etc. While child support is meant to cover expenses incurred during parenting time, it is often good practice to divide these extra expenses equally between parents, especially when custody time is equal. Be sure to keep receipts and to provide a copy of them to your co-parent in a timely manner. This will help with transparency and provide a solid foundation for any possible disputes regarding these expenses.
The more prepared and organized your family is around child custody in a new school year, the more likely it is to be a successful one for you and, most importantly, your child. Remember that good communication between parents is vital to a healthy upbringing. Do your best to be both amicable and organized to set your favorite student, your child, up for success! You will also be sure to earn your A+ in parenting!
Do you have any questions regarding child custody in the new school year? Contact Burgos Santoyo Smith for legal advice and support!