How is my child custody agreement affected if my child changes schools

Cathedral Catholic High School in Carmel Valley is a highly sought-after educational institution in San Diego. A 54-acre campus with Mediterranean architecture, AP classes offered in a dozen subjects, and over 80 extracurricular activities on offer make for fierce competition for students who want to live their best high school life. When admission decisions are released on March 13, some families will be elated, but divorced parents with a custody agreement will have some work ahead of them. 

California law requires parents not only have to be in agreement about their child moving to another school, but changing schools can affect a child’s well-being – for better or worse. New routines, a change in geography and resources available to the child are all of interest to the court. Moving to a new school may be an excellent opportunity for the child – but how does changing schools affect the child custody agreement? 

Here are some of the factors which impact the custody agreement when a parent wants their child to change schools:

Distance. One of the most critical factors affecting a child custody agreement when a parent wants their child to change schools is distance. If the new school is significantly further from the other parent’s residence, it can affect the custody agreement. For instance, if the child has to travel long distances, it may not be feasible to stick to the previous custody agreement.

Quality of Education. Another factor which can impact the child custody agreement when a parent wants their child to change schools is the quality of education. If the child is currently attending a low-quality school, and the new school offers a better quality of education, the court may consider it in the child’s best interest to switch schools.

Child’s Needs. The child’s needs are crucial when it comes to determining custody agreements. If a child requires specific resources or services available only in the new school, it may be in the child’s best interest to switch schools.

Parental Cooperation. When a parent wants their child to switch schools, it’s essential they work with the other parent to come up with a new custody agreement. If one parent is unwilling to cooperate or agree to the change, it can lead to legal disputes, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Impact on Parenting Time. Changing schools can have an impact on the parenting time schedule. If the new school has a different schedule or is located further away, it can affect the parenting time of both parents.

What Does the Court Require If the Child is Changing Schools? 

The court’s primary concern is the child’s best interests, and this includes considering the child’s education. When a parent seeks to change their child’s school, they need to show the court the move is necessary and in the child’s best interests. This may involve presenting evidence about the new school, such as its academic performance, extracurricular activities, and support services.

In addition to academic considerations, the court will also consider the impact of the move on the child’s relationship with each parent. If the move means the child will spend significantly less time with one parent or if the other parent objects to the move, it may be difficult to convince the court the move is in the child’s best interests.

Besides legal considerations, practical factors also come into play when changing schools. Moving to a new school can be stressful for children, especially if they are leaving behind friends and familiar surroundings. It’s important for the parent to consider their child’s emotional well-being and provide support during the transition.

It’s important to note if the custody agreement specifies a particular school, the parent will need the other parent’s agreement or a court order to make the change. Otherwise, violating the custody agreement could lead to legal consequences.

If the parents have joint legal custody, they must consult with each other before making any decisions about the child’s education. Joint legal custody means both parents have an equal say in major decisions affecting the child, including decisions about education.

If the parents cannot agree on the school the child will attend, they may need to go back to court to have a judge make the decision. The court will consider the factors mentioned above and make a decision based on what is in the child’s best interests.

What Are the Steps if a Parent Wants Their Child to Change Schools? 

If a parent wants their child to switch schools, it’s crucial to follow the proper legal procedures to avoid any legal disputes. Here are the steps to follow:

Consult with an Attorney. The first step is to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance on the legal implications of changing schools and how it can affect the child custody agreement. Doing so will potentially save time, stress and potential conflict with the other parent. 

Discuss with the Other Parent. The next step is to discuss the proposed school change with the other parent. A parent should never take their ex-spouse by surprise when it comes to the idea of a new school for their child.  It’s essential to provide a valid reason for the change and explain how it can benefit the child. If the other parent agrees, it’s essential to come up with a new custody agreement reflecting the changes.

File a Motion. If the other parent does not agree to the school change, the next step is to file a motion with the court. The parent requesting the change must provide a valid reason for the change, and the court will consider several factors, including the child’s best interests.

Attend Mediation. If the court finds there’s a possibility of an agreement, the parents may be required to attend mediation to come up with a new custody agreement reflecting the proposed school change.

Attend a Custody Hearing. If the parents are unable to come up with an agreement through mediation, the court will schedule a custody hearing. At the hearing, both parents will present their case, and the court will make a decision based on the child’s best interests.

There are many reasons why a child can benefit from changing schools in California – academically, socially and emotionally. However, both parents have to be in agreement and make a case to the court that the move is in the child’s best interests. If you need to make changes to your child custody agreement, we can help. Contact us or call 619-299-9780 for a free phone consultation.