Why school is important to custody cases

 Posted on February 26, 2019 in Firm News

Custody battles are won and lost on a lot of different issues — but one of the most important things you can do to protect your right to custody is to make sure that you’re involved in your child’s education.

There are several reasons for this.

1. It’s part of a parent’s job

One of your responsibilities as a parent is to make sure that your child is obtaining an education. You never want to give your ex-spouse a chance to say that you don’t take that responsibility seriously.

Demonstrate your concern for your child’s education by checking your child’s backpack for graded papers and assignments and assisting with homework when you have custody. Make certain that you sign the child’s homework or workbook when necessary.

2. It’s an opportunity to bond

You want to take a chance to bond with your child whenever possible. School is a huge part of any young child’s life. Most of their daily life centers around the people they know there — so make sure you are acquainted with the names of their friends, foes and teachers.

Even if you don’t find the conversation thrilling, learn to take an interest in what your child does during the day when he or she isn’t at home.

3. It could be important in court

Don’t think that educators are oblivious to which parents are and aren’t involved in their children’s school activities. More than one custody case has hinged on the testimony of a child’s teachers about a parent’s involvement. You want to be a visible source of support to your children during school events and on parent-teacher conference days.

If you’re seeking custody of your child, don’t walk into the situation unprepared. Learn as much as you can about what goes into a custody decision so that you can be prepared as you move forward.