Parents usually discuss major parenting matters with one another for as long as they maintain their relationship. After they divorce or begin living separately, they may limit their communication, even if they’re co-parenting their children.
There may be disagreements about how to handle important parenting matters. For example, parents may disagree about which schools their children attend. Which parent usually has authority regarding school enrollment and similar issues?
Parents typically share authority
Shared or joint custody has become the standard in most divorce cases. The courts want to act in the best interests of the children. In most circumstances, ensuring a close bond with both parents is what is best for the children.
As such, both parents have a degree of physical custody or parenting time, as well as decision-making authority or legal custody. Parents can typically make decisions regarding the children during their scheduled parenting time.
What if they disagree?
However, when it comes to long-term decisions, parents who share legal custody generally need to coordinate with one another. When there is a major dispute about specific parenting decisions, such as school enrollment, the parents may need to go back to family court.
A judge can review the situation and determine which parent should have the authority to make the decision or which option is in the best interests of the children. Judges can modify the original custody order to reallocate legal custody and diminish the likelihood of future disputes.
Consulting with an attorney when facing child custody disagreements can help a parent enforce their rights and do what is best for their children.