My Co-Parent And I Can’t Agree On Where Our Child Will Go To School. What Do I Do?

A common dispute after a divorce is where a child is going to attend school. This can happen when the child is a toddler or infant at the time of the divorce, especially when the parties did not have an attorney helping them with the divorce.

Colorado’s form Parenting Plan contains a check box that is frequently overlooked. It is used to designate which parent’s address will be used for school registration. If this box is checked, the parent whose address is designated has the tie-breaking vote on where the child goes to school.

If this check box on the Parenting Plan is left blank, you have two options: (1) attempt to resolve the dispute, either between themselves, or with the use of a mediator; or (2) let a third party, such as a judge, decision-maker, or arbitrator decide which party gets to make the final decision.

When possible, it is always better to try to reach an agreement with your co-parent. Sometimes sitting down with a third party to discuss the options, and the reason for each parent’s wish, can help. If not, you will need to focus on creating the best case for yourself in front of a judge. This includes researching your choice of school, evaluating your child’s needs, and demonstrating that you have made an effort to communicate and cooperate with your co-parent.

Are you having trouble reaching an agreement on where your child will go to school? Give me a call to talk about your options.