After a divorce in New Jersey, most parents have a child custody agreement in place that allows the child to spend quality time with each parent. To make this agreement work to serve their child in the best way possible, parents need to be able to communicate effectively and work together to solve problems and make decisions for their child that will benefit him or her. Franklin child custody lawyers affirm that these decisions often have to do with the child’s healthcare, personal growth, and education.
As the summer reaches its end and families throughout New Jersey prepare for the new school year to start, parents with parenting time agreements should take time to revisit how they will handle school-related issues and discuss changes they anticipate, such as a new schedule as a child enters middle school or high school and new extracurricular activities.
Keep the following in mind as you have these discussions with your former partner. Make your child’s academic progress an ongoing discussion, rather than a one-time chat in early September.
A new school year can mean a new schedule, such as an earlier start time or new extracurricular commitments. Talk to your former partner about the schedule changes that will accompany the new year and determine whether modifying your custody arrangement to accommodate them would be appropriate.
Although you might have a child support agreement in place, it is a good idea to review any school expenses you anticipate for the new year and determine how they will be shared. Expenses can include school supplies, tuition or uniforms, and costs associated with extracurricular activities.
Effective communication between you and your former spouse is the key to effective co-parenting. Discuss how you will handle disciplinary actions from your child’s school, which parent will meet with teachers regarding your child’s progress, and an appropriate strategy for helping your child if they struggle with schoolwork.
Parenting after a divorce is rarely easy. Even with the most cooperative partner, co-parenting is a challenge. Make it easier for yourself by working with a family lawyer who understands all aspects of child custody in New Jersey. Complete our online form or call 732-633-2224 to set up your initial consultation with our Somerset child custody lawyers at the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC.
We represent clients throughout New Jersey including Somerset County, Middlesex County, Union County and including but not limited to the towns of Somerset, Franklin, Bridgewater, New Brunswick, East Brunswick, Plainfield, Edison, Metuchen, Woodbridge, Piscataway, Old Bridge, Rahway, Linden, Elizabeth, Cranford, Summit, Union, Clark, Elizabeth, Berkeley Heights, and Scotch Plains.
