If you spent part of your summer break filing a divorce petition in a Cabarrus County court, you might be concerned about the impact this life change may have on your children as they enter a new school year. Divorce is not uncommon in North Carolina or elsewhere, although each child copes in a unique way, and it’s understandable that you’d want to protect your children’s best interests as you negotiate a settlement and help them prepare for the back-to-school season. Drafting a solid child custody plan can help.
Your issues of concern regarding child custody might be different from another parent who has also gone through divorce. For instance, you might have reason to seek sole custody of your kids while someone you know agreed to a joint custody arrangement. Every set of parents may devise a plan that meets their family’s needs, and if you have a particular concern that you’re unable to resolve on your own, you can reach out for additional support.
Child custody plans might include grandparents, teachers and other adults
As you work out a co-parenting agreement after divorce, you can incorporate details that will help your child during the school year, such as instructions for his or her teacher regarding which parent to contact if a problem arises or a list of names, such as grandparents or a neighbor, of those who are allowed to pick up or drop off your children at school, sporting events or other locations.
Keep the lines of communication open
If you filed for divorce, it’s wouldn’t be surprising if you’d rather not spend a lot of time with your ex. However, your children will no doubt fare better as they adjust to their new lifestyle if you and your ex agree to keep each other informed regarding school-related matters, unless, of course, the court has restricted your ex from being involved in your children’s lives.
If there are no issues barring both parents from having active relationships with the children, you can determine which form of correspondence works best in your case, so that you and your ex do not always have to meet in person to talk about the kids. It’s helpful to think of your former marital relationship as modified into a business relationship, which means it’s acceptable to correspond through email or text messaging, keeping things brief and focused on a specific issue.
Like and respect are two separate issues
Your children’s first school year after your divorce may run more smoothly if you and your ex agree to show mutual respect for each other’s role as a parent. You might not like your former spouse, but it’s easier to carry out a co-parenting plan when you do your best to treat each other civilly, especially regarding your children.
If a particular issue arises that you’re unable to resolve, you can reach out for additional support, whether it is from your child’s teacher, a family member or close friend, or an advocate who can help you resolve legal issues.