Divorce & Back to School

As the summer is rapidly coming to an end and school is right around the

corner, parents need to start planning for the upcoming school year. This is

especially important for parents who are in the midst of a divorce. It is

important that parents make sure they are on the same page about the

children’s schooling.

Who pays for the school supplies? This is a very common question. Unless

specifically agreed otherwise, school supplies are covered by child support;

they are not an additional add-on expense. However, you and your spouse

may agree to share the costs of the school supplies. If you are at the end of

your divorce and are settling your matter, be mindful during your negotiations

of college expenses, and define what college expenses are. It is important that

college expenses, which are often very costly, are shared on a pro-rata basis.

These expenses should include SAT prep courses, SAT tests, AP tests, and

laptops.

How do I keep abreast of what is happening at school? The custodial or

residential parent during a divorce should keep the non-custodial parent in the

loop as to what is happening with the children’s schooling. However, it is

always best not to solely rely on this and be proactive about your children’s

schooling. Make sure you have access to the school’s online portal; make sure

you are included on any school email lists; reach out to the school directly to

make sure you are listed as both a parent and an emergency contact for your

children; make sure you are listed on all school forms; and make sure you

attend parent teacher conferences.

It is also important that you check in directly with your children about their

schooling. Talk to your children about how the are liking school, do they like

their teacher, do they have friends in their class, and help them with their

homework. Not only will this make your children feel that you have a real

interest in their lives and are active in their schooling, but in the case of a

contentious divorce that is proceeding to a trial, it will show the Court that you

are an involved parent.