As the back-to-school season begins, parents with new custody arrangements may be unsure how to handle tumultuous new schedules. If your parenting plan does not address these changes, it needs to. However, even when a parenting plan does help parents handle these changes, it is beneficial to still discuss specific plans. A child custody attorney in Omaha can help mediate these discussions or assist parents with negotiating parenting plans.
Kids going back to school can be helpful for parents in some ways, as they don’t have to worry about childcare during work or keeping kids busy. However, new school years are often stressful and overwhelming, and this is heightened when it is your first back-to-school season after a divorce or separation. When you and your co-parent have shared custody, you have to make important decisions together and have a comprehensive schedule about where a child will be each day.
It’s important to plan ahead and ensure that you address all your children’s needs before the school year starts. Some tips as you navigate this transition include:
Clearly Communicate With Your Co-Parent
Even when your parenting plan lists how to manage the back-to-school season, it is important that you and your co-parent make sure that you share the same interpretation of your expectations. Ensure that you are both clear on your responsibilities, including who is picking up and dropping off your child each day, as well as other transportation expectations. Straightforward communication helps you both understand your child’s schedule, their needs, and other specific concerns about your child’s well-being.
Put Your Child’s Interests First
You want your kids to have a good experience as they prepare to go back to school. They’ve likely had a very stressful time, and planning ahead for these changes can help limit any additional stress. Prioritize your children’s interests, helping them be as academically and socially successful as possible. Don’t let your stress harm your children, and let them know that their parents are there to support them.
Get in Contact With the School
If you haven’t already told your child’s school about the custody order, you should. This may affect certain things, like how the school contacts you or transportation options for your child. This may also be a helpful time to give the school additional emergency contacts.
Find a Way to Share a Calendar
There are many ways for parents to create a shared calendar for the entire school year. This can help prevent any misunderstandings and limit conflict. Important school events, extracurriculars, parent-teacher meetings, holidays, and breaks can be marked and edited as plans change. This way, both parents are aware of crucial events and where they need to be.
Plan for Expenses
There are many back-to-school costs as well as other expenses throughout the school year. Parents should plan for these costs and determine how child support factors into finances. One parent may be responsible, or parents could split the costs, depending on your unique circumstances. You want to consider expenses like school trips, lunches, projects, dances, sports, and extracurriculars.
Provide Consistent Support and Routine
Schedules will shift, but it can be helpful for kids and parents if school-year schedules remain similar between households. You and your co-parent can discuss expectations for morning routines, homework, studying requirements, and bedtimes. You can also discuss how to help your children stay on top of homework and transport the necessary items from home to home.
Stay Respectful and Flexible
Remember that both you and your co-parent are likely trying your hardest, and be respectful while talking with them. Emergencies or issues may arise but try to be flexible and understanding. Conflict can impact your children, even if they don’t see it. Although discussions with your co-parent can sometimes be frustrating, keep things as civil as you can.
FAQs
Q: How Long Does a Temporary Custody Order Last in Nebraska?
A: A temporary custody order in Nebraska usually lasts until a final custody order is reached by the court. However long it takes for the divorce or separation to be finalized and approved by the court is how long the temporary custody and support orders will last, which can vary significantly. If a temporary custody order needs to be changed, talk with your attorney.
Q: How Old Must a Child Be to Decide Which Parent They Want to Live With in Nebraska?
A: A child can only decide which parent they want to live with in Nebraska when they are 18 years old or emancipated and, therefore, a legal adult. Before then, the court will consider the child’s wishes in custody determinations, giving more weight to the wishes of an older and more mature child. However, the court prioritizes the child’s interests.
If your child is refusing court-ordered visitation, you may want to talk with your co-parent and professionals. It’s important to follow the custody order, and steps should be taken to determine the cause of a child’s refusal.
Q: What Is the Nebraska Parenting Act?
A: The Nebraska Parenting Act explains the responsibilities of parents involved in any court decision involving their children. These include:
- Making a parenting plan together through mediation or collaboration
- Attending the required co-parenting education class and filing the certificate of attendance
- Attempting mediation first before going to trial for any custody disputes or decisions
This act covers court proceedings for deciding parenting time, custody, and visitation in divorce cases, separation, order modification, or paternity cases.
Q: Do You Have to Pay Child Support If You Have Joint Custody in Nebraska?
A: You may have to pay child support if you have joint custody in Nebraska. Child support is determined based on the:
- Costs of raising a child
- Income of each parent
- Combined income of both parents
- Amount of parenting time that each parent has
If parents have joint custody, the parent with the higher income will likely have to pay child support. It is also rare that joint custody is perfectly split 50/50, so the parent with less parenting time may pay child support.
Contact Stange Law Firm for Parenting Plan Negotiations in Omaha
If you need to begin planning for the school year with an in-depth parenting plan, it is important to find a skilled attorney to help mediate discussions. Contact Stange Law Firm today.
