The new school term is
right around the corner and the solicitors in the Family Team at Cripps are
often asked by their clients questions about contact arrangements and
schooling. We thought it would be helpful to address some common concerns of
separated parents at this time. Each day this week we will be posting answers
to a different FAQ.
Here’s today’s question:
What happens to contact arrangements when children go back to school?
Sometimes the children’s
arrangements you agreed previously with your ex-partner for the last school
term are appropriate and therefore can continue. However, you may need to review
it and agree a new arrangement for the new school year. The children may enrol
in new extra-curricular activities or have after school activities on different
days than the previous school year, or they may be old enough to get the school
bus on their own to and from school. Each parent is entitled to spend quality
time with their children so to ensure this it may mean tweaking your
arrangement to fit around your child’s new schedule, or both parents becoming
involved in the drop offs and pick-ups for such activities.
Co-parenting often
requires some flexibility from both parents. Children (especially younger
children) need continuity and consistency and like to know when they are
spending time with each parent. You may need to review the arrangements again
as the school year progresses.
If you are not able to
agree the arrangements or you feel that one parent is being unnecessarily restrictive
about contact it is advisable to firstly try and resolve it in mediation and as
a last resort to apply to the court for a child arrangements order.
If you have any questions about your recent separation or about divorce, you can telephone Kate Lovegrove direct on 01892 506 205 or 01732 224 025. Kate is an Associate Solicitor & Mediator in the family team and is based in our Tunbridge Wells and Kings Hill office.
