Homeschooling and Visitation?

Question

I have full custody of my children and have decided to home school them. Will their Father be able to file a change of circumstances and try to get the kids more?

Answer 1

It shouldn't matter what school they are in as to whether he can file a change of anything. They still have to be schooled. Some people think when you homeschool you don't do anything. I'd say that he can't cause they'll still be in a school setting for however many hours a day that it takes you. good luck with the homeschooling, I do it and love it.

Answer 2

i think that the "change of circumstances" refers more to financial or emotional factors  , for example he might ask for more time if he can prove you have become - or he has become more stable financially or emotionally ( perhaps there was consuling done)  but i would definatly re check your agreement and perhaps call the laywer who set up the custody agreement just to make sure. that way you are protected legally and can then inform him of the educational change, reason for it and perhaps " throw him a bone" in that you would ask him to participate in "classes" taking them to a specific function, zoo, ect to tie into what ever you were teaching at the time.

Answer 3

As long as you are properly homeschooling, have all necessary forms/info on file as needed with the state.  Then there is not a lot he can do.  Homeschool is recognized and legal, as long as there is proper instruction in the home, he shouldn't have a problem.

Answer 4

I would suggest contacting their father, if possible, to sound him out on the idea.  I know that I've read of cases where a parent who didn't have custody created all sorts of problems for the other parent after the parent decided to homeschool.  So, I'd sound him out, see if he has any problems with the idea, and if he does have problems with it, see if there's some way around those concerns (such as making sure they are in some kind of class or something where they'll regularly interact with other kids).

You might also ask your lawyer about it, for a legal point-of-view.  But it seems that people can get their own lawyers to file all sorts of paperwork, whether legally justified or not, and create all sorts of havoc for others, if they are motivated enough.  So, I'd still sound out their dad on the issue.

I'd also recommend that you go above and beyond the law in regard to record-keeping and such, so that he won't later claim that you are neglecting their education.  Document everything you can.  Perhaps even consider sending him regular "reports" (that you type up) about what they are doing and learning, just to avoid trouble down the line.