When parents are married, they don’t always agree on what is best for their children. Even after divorce, parents must continue to negotiate, compromise and repeatedly weigh what is in their child’s best interest.
If you and your ex share legal custody and do not agree about which school option is best for your children, here are some things to consider while you strive to reach an appropriate compromise:
Consistency – when children have undergone the degree of change usually characteristic of divorce, it can be very helpful to keep things as consistent as possible during the child’s adjustment period. Even if the child’s current school is not ideal, it might be worth sticking with it for a year or two until the emotional dust settles.
Educational value – high test scores and academic awards are not the only measures of a good school. Explore options for extracurricular activities, programs in music and art and the school’s reputation for community involvement.
Location – it is helpful to have children in a school that is accessible to both parents. This facilitates weeknight sleepovers and enables both parents to be actively involved in school activities.
Social environment – children need friends, and school is a great place to have them. In the tumultuous months following a divorce it is essential that a child be in a supportive environment. Children who attend a neighborhood school together with their friends tend to have an easier time coping with change of any kind, including divorce.
Educational philosophy – Every school has its own unique orientation to learning and child development. In the aftermath of divorce it might be helpful to send children to a school that supports the whole child -not only a student’s academic growth, as such a school might be more willing and equipped to manage the emotional or psychological challenges that can accompany divorce.
If you and your ex are at a schooling stalemate, try going to mediation. If mediation is not an option or you fail to reach a compromise, speak to a child custody attorney. Call the Buffalo Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis at 716.886.9600 or contact us online.
As a Buffalo divorce lawyer for 28 years, I have devoted myself to solving the problems that affect families throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area and Western New York. As a family law attorney, I make it my goal to create a partnership of trust with my clients. People put their trust in me to handle cases that can potentially have a long-lasting impact on not only their lives, but the lives of their family as well.
Alexandra M. Rockwood is a Senior Associate Attorney with the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis & Associates and has been with the firm since early 2020. She primarily practices in the areas of matrimonial and family law, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Alexandra is a practicing matrimonial and family law attorney as…
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5.0/5.0Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...
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5.0/5.0
Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...
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5.0/5.0
Randy Margulis is knowledgable of Domestic Law, dedicated, responsive, personable, aggressive and effective. I came to him on a friend's recommendation as well as Randy's reputation, and during the initial consultation I liked his approach and track ...
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5.0/5.0
Found Mr. Margulis to be a very organized and professional individual to work with. He is well-respected by his peers and is spoken of highly, I believe this helped with my divorce and made things go smoothly. I would highly recommend his services ...
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5.0/5.0
Randy is very firm and effective in court while empathetic to his clients. I am a domestic violence victim, and Randy made me feel safe and protected. My financial award was more than I envisioned it to be when I started my divorce. I can't thank ...
