Supporting Your Child’s Education After Divorce: What Parents Need to Know
Beyond custody and parenting time, another important issue that divorced parents must navigate is how to support their child’s education. Schools, teachers, and counselors play a critical role in a child’s development, and ensuring both parents remain engaged is vital. If you’re navigating co-parenting after divorce, here are key considerations to keep in mind about your child’s education.
Custodial Status Does Not Exclude the Other Parent
Many parents mistakenly believe that being the custodial parent means they can control all aspects of their child’s education. This is not the case. Being the custodial parent does not give you the right to exclude the non-custodial parent from the child’s school or create barriers between the non-custodial parent and school staff. Schools are accustomed to working with divorced parents and treat both parents as important figures in the child’s life unless a court order specifies otherwise.
Oregon law specifically protects parental rights when it comes to education. According to ORS 107.154, unless restricted by a court order, both parents have equal rights to:
This means that whether you are the custodial parent or not, you are entitled to participate in your child’s education and being proactive in exercising these rights demonstrates to both your child and the school that you are committed to your child’s success.
Why Cooperation Benefits Your Child
Divorce can create tension, but when it comes to education, cooperation should be the goal. Studies show that children perform better academically and emotionally when both parents stay engaged. If the parents can act cooperatively, it is almost always in the child’s best interest for both parents to be involved. By maintaining open communication with one another—and with school staff—you show your child that their education is a top priority.
Shared Responsibility for Educational Involvement
Neither parent should prevent the other from being involved in their child’s schooling. However, it is important to remember that each parent is individually responsible for staying informed. Neither parent should rely on the other parent to pass along report cards, school newsletters, or details about upcoming events. Each parent should contact the school directly and ensure that they are included on mailing and email lists so that they can be aware of what is happening at their child’s school. Taking initiative helps ensure that you remain an active participant in your child’s academic journey.
Active Participation Even With Limited Parenting Time
If you have limited parenting time, your role in your child’s education is still critically important. Education is not just about being present at school—it includes helping with homework, reading school emails, attending parent-teacher conferences, and staying aware of important school events. Even if you see your child only part of the week, your engagement on these issues helps reinforce the message to the child that both parents are committed to their academic success.
Presenting a United Front
Children thrive when they see their parents on the same page about education. If your child is struggling in math, it doesn’t help for the parents to be arguing over who bought the last pack of pencils. By working together and presenting a united front, you reinforce consistency and stability. This doesn’t mean you and your co-parent have to agree on everything, but it does mean prioritizing your child’s educational needs over personal conflicts.
Conclusion: Prioritize Education Over Conflict
Divorce changes family dynamics, but it should never diminish a child’s access to quality education or parental involvement. Both parents—custodial and non-custodial—have important rights and responsibilities under Oregon law. By staying informed, participating actively, and working together, you can provide the support your child needs to succeed academically and emotionally.
If you have questions about your parental rights regarding your child’s education after divorce, consult an experienced divorce attorney who can guide you through your legal options and responsibilities.
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