Finding the right child custody attorney during a divorce is key to making the process go smoothly for both parents and the children. A child custody attorney will provide guidance and advice to both parents, secure their child’s custody during the process, and ensure that the child is taken care of while final details are negotiated. Having an attorney with this type of case experience will help parents avoid any severe problems with their children going back to school. Families with divorced parents or parents amid a divorce have more than the typical back-to-school stress, but there are things that you can do to alleviate that stress for yourself and your children.
1. School Supplies/Books/Clothes
During the child custody negotiations, parents should continue showing continuity as their child goes back to school. Consider buying a few extra school supplies to have in both households. If your child wears a school uniform, consider purchasing a few additional sets to have in both households in case of emergency.
2. School Forms/Emergency Contacts
School forms and emergency contact information may be different now that the parents are living in separate households. Both parents should be involved in selecting who the emergency contacts are and ensure that the designated person can reach both of them when necessary. Divorce attorneys can also assist in this if there is a question about who should be the emergency contact if both parents are unreachable.
3. Meeting the Teacher
When the time comes for your child to return to school, it is essential that the teacher is aware of the child custody situation between the parents so that they can be on the lookout for any adverse or concerning behavior that may arise. This educator will also be essential in helping your child adjust to their new environment if a change of schools is required due to the divorce. Being involved in the student’s school life will ensure both parents are aware of how they are coping with this major lifestyle change. Parent/teacher conferences are an opportunity for both parents to engage in thoughtful discussion with their child’s educator and update them with any pertinent information. Depending on the nature of the divorce, a divorce attorney may recommend that the parents see the teacher at separate times.
4. Exchanges
One of the most significant points of friction for divorcing parents is exchanging children for their designated time. This schedule will be part of the child custody terms that you as parents agree on while consulting your divorce lawyer. Some parents are more informal and schedule pick-up times the day of in order to allow flexibility in their schedule. Other parents strictly abide by the terms agreed upon in the child custody portion of the divorce settlement. Understanding how the other party wants to approach this is an important factor in keeping meetings cordial and agreeable for all parties.
As you can see, many things go into a divorce. You will have to make sure that you have taken all the necessary steps to ensure that your child gets the best care during this difficult time. It is important to remember that children will do better if they are cared for by both parents. At Men’s Legal Center, we can help the child custody process easier with our attorneys. Contact us today for more information.