Navigating the Back-to-School Decision with Your Ex
The school landscape has changed for most families. As we begin to navigate a new school year, families are in the process of deciding what’s best for them and their children. This decision may be more difficult when you and your spouse are no longer together and may have different opinions about what’s right for your child.
Here are a few tips that can help you navigate this time:
Know New Jersey’s Laws
Decisions related to education typically fall under legal custody. This means that if one parent has primary custody, it may be up to them. However, many parents share custody and may both be involved in these decisions. If this is the case, it can make it especially difficult to navigate who gets to decide.
While some custody agreements may specify which parent has tie-breaking rights, not all include this. Joint legal custody typically requires both parents to agree. If this is the type of agreement that you have with your ex, it may be necessary to sit down and find a negotiation that works for everyone involved.
Here are a few tips while you navigate this difficult topic:
Maintain Open Communication
When discussing your concerns, it can be beneficial to maintain open communication. Allow each parent to express their worries with each potential option. Consider a variety of options that may work for both parties. If you have a hard time communicating with your ex, it may be helpful to work with a negotiator.
Collect Information
Before discussing your options, it can also be beneficial for each parent to collect any information they may need. For example, if you’re worried about the health of your child, or your family, it can be helpful to collect information related to the school’s protocols. If you’re considering homeschooling a child, collect any information on the process ahead of time so you know what’s involved with each option.
Discuss Your Options With a Lawyer
When you and your ex are still unable to come to an agreement, it may be beneficial to discuss it with a lawyer. This is especially beneficial if you’re not sure what your custody allows, or who has the last decision. If you have primary custody of your child, then you may need a lawyer to file a motion with the court if your spouse ignores your wants.
It’s important to keep in mind that if one parent has a court order, they will usually have the decision as to how to handle school decisions. If you have any concerns, it may be worth it to consider them with a lawyer. Most courts will always place the safety and wellbeing of the child over everything.
When to Contact a Family Lawyer
A divorce can be confusing and overwhelming. It can bring with it a lot of unique issues to address, one of these being parenting decisions. Some of these decisions may not arise until long after the divorce is over. For example, as the world navigates a new pandemic, a lot of families are likely to have differing opinions. If you need assistance in navigating this difficult time and coming to a decision that works, considering working with a negotiator or divorce lawyer.
Contact a Cherry Hill Family Law Attorney for a Consultation About Child Custody in New Jersey Today
If you are thinking about filing for divorce, or if you have already started the divorce process and are dealing with another matter such as child custody, child support, or division of assets, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. Family law lawyer, Lois Garber Schwartz, Esq. represents clients throughout the state, including Cherry Hill, Marlton, Moorestown, and Haddonfield. We understand how challenging this time can be for you, which is why we will fight hard to protect your interests, and the interests of your loved ones, throughout the legal process. Call us at (856) 482-8799 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation. We have an office conveniently located at 1040 Kings Highway N., Suite 202, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.