The beginning of the new school year brings new opportunities and challenges. It’s a time of excitement but also a time of adjustment. School schedules, events, sports, homework, and other tasks begin to fill the calendar.

If you’ve recently divorced or are considering divorce, back-to-school season can raise questions surrounding your child custody, visitation, or even support obligations. Here’s what to think about as the school year starts. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to talk to an experienced Texas family law attorney.

What To Consider As The School Year Starts

The start of a new school year brings both short-term and long-term disruptions. The first week is often chaotic as students adjust to their school schedule, learn about their teachers and classmates, and settle back into the routine.

To help yourself and your child settle smoothly into the new school year:

Coordinate Your Calendars

Start by getting a copy of your child’s school calendar as the school year begins. Your school district often puts these on the website, or you can ask for a copy from your child’s teacher or the school office.

Enter everything on the school calendar into your calendar: holidays, half days, days off from school, concerts, sporting events, parent-teacher conferences, book fairs, and every other event involving you or your child. You’ll have all your child’s school information at a glance, so you can plan ahead.

Consider the Day to Day

How will your child get to school? If they ride the bus, where will they be picked up and dropped off? If someone drives them, who will it be?

When one parent has significant visitation time, especially on school days, these questions can be challenging. Make sure you and your child’s other parent are on the same page. A shared family calendar or group chat can help keep older children in the loop as well.

Check Your Standard Possession Order

Texas law typically understands that a child lives primarily with one parent and sees the other on a “visitation” schedule. Your standard possession order should contain a copy of the visitation schedule.

The visitation schedule should address topics like which parent has the child on weekends and holidays. Many schedules also clarify who will pick up or drop off the child from school, as well as how parents will transport the child when it’s time for the child to spend time with each parent.

Finally, double-check your standard possession order for school-related information. Texas family law allows both parents to stay involved in their child’s schooling unless a parent has lost custody. Involvement may include:

• Receiving information about classes, school events, grades, discipline, and other school-related topics involving your child.
• Making important decisions about your child’s education, such as where they will attend school and whether they will be involved in offerings like special education, accelerated classes, or other resources.
• Consulting with school officials on topics related to your child’s education or needs at school.
• Attending children’s school activities, like concerts, art or science fairs, and sporting events.
• Listing yourself as an emergency contact for your child.

Your standard possession order should specify the involvement you can have in your child’s education.

Communication Is Key

Texas law typically gives parents the right to be involved in their child’s education and the right to communicate with one another in their child’s best interests. By making communication a priority, you help your child adjust to a new school year – giving your child a foundation for success in school.

Some ways to improve communication in the back-to-school season include:

• Reach out to your child’s teacher early. Send an email or make a quick phone call to introduce yourself, get to know the teacher, and offer any help you can.
• Attend school events. Most schools offer an open house or back-to-school night early in the year. Attend these events with your child to learn more about the school, meet teachers and administrators, and find out how you can get involved.
• Consider volunteering. Schools always need parent volunteers. By volunteering, you can build a stronger relationship with your child. You can also bring some structure to an otherwise hectic back-to-school schedule. Finally, when you volunteer, you provide yet another positive adult role model for students, helping to build stronger communities and raise healthier, happier students.

Need help navigating back to school season and your divorce or custody questions? Talk to the team at the Law Office of Jason Wright.