Believe it or not, it is actually time for school to start again. This means different things for different families, but in instances in which there are child custody issues, it can be especially complicated. Read on to learn about some of the issues that divorced parents often an attorney to deal with and then contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 if you need help with these or other family law issues.
Common Issues Parent Face During Back-to-School Season
There are many different issues that can come up during this period. For example, we have seen disagreements regarding who should pick up the child each day, who should pay for clothes, who should pay for supplies, and who is going to pay for extracurricular activities. You may not even agree on what school your child should attend. For these and other issues, you may need to consult with a family law attorney.
Create a Parenting Agreement
It is often the case that issues arise because all parties were simply not on the same page. This is why it is important to communicate your needs and expectations and to ensure that your co-parent understands them – and that you understand theirs.
This plan should include information on who the child will stay with on school nights and where they will be on weekends. It should include information on how your child will get to and from school, and who will be responsible for getting them to and from any extracurricular activities they may take part in. That said, it should be as simple as possible. Making it too specific can be a challenge when the schedule changes.
Plan Ahead
It is essential that you have a plan before you need one. The last thing you want is to find that you are overwhelmed with parent-teacher conferences, sports games, play recitals – it can seem to go on and on – and realize you don’t have a plan in place. Look at your child’s school schedule. Consider holidays and school events so you know what you should be planning for. Do not leave these issues for the last minute.
Track All Your Expenses
Even if you think it is clear who is supposed to be paying for what, and what you are supposed to be reimbursed for and what is your responsibility, we recommend tracking your expenses. Keep receipts. Note how much money you are spending for your child. If a situation arises in the future, you will be glad you have easy access to this information.
If you are ready to set up a plan for back-to-school season then we highly recommend you contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908. We are happy to offer a free legal consultation to help you better understand your options.
