Co-parents who have gotten divorced may no longer be married, but they will always be connected in some way through their children. There are times when they still need to work together, such as when making important decisions for the child.
For example, as a child grows from an infant to a toddler and then to an elementary school student, parents must decide which school the child will attend. While they were married, parents may have explored options and made this decision jointly. But how do co-parents make these same choices after their relationship has ended?
Parents’ legal custody rights
The answer usually lies in the divorce documentation, which should specify which parent has legal custody rights. Legal custody is different from physical custody and does not determine where the child lives or which parent the child spends time with. Instead, legal custody gives a parent the authority to make important decisions regarding healthcare, religion, education and other major issues.
In some cases, only one parent has legal custody. That parent is generally allowed to make decisions such as choosing a school on their own, even if the other parent disagrees.
In many situations, however, parents share legal custody rights. When legal custody is shared, both parents are authorized to make key decisions for the child, which means they must work together. If one parent were to enroll the child in a school without the other parent’s approval, it could violate the custody order.
Naturally, this arrangement can lead to disagreements and conflict between co-parents. It is important to understand your rights and the legal options available to you in these situations.
