The choice to homeschool your child is often a difficult one to make. It could be a cost-saving choice, such as homeschooling rather than paying for private school in the face of an underperforming public school system. It could be a personal choice, wanting a greater hand in the direction of your child’s education. However, if you’re divorced and co-parenting, this choice is not going to be an easy one.
Co-parenting and shared legal custody
In Washington, the courts prefer that both parents share full legal custody. Legal custody is the decision-making power over the child’s life. This generally includes:
- Medical care decisions
- Religious choices
- Childcare
- Living situation
A major component of legal custody decision-making is about education. Private school, public school, charter school or home schooling, both you and your co-parent must be on the same page as you both have an equal say.
Furthermore, there are legal realities at play here, as all children must be in school or be labeled as truant. While homeschool does meet that requirement, homeschooling without consent of the other parent is likely to engage serious legal tension.
How to resolve an educational conflict
Committing to homeschooling is similar to any other major decision about your child’s care and future. While smaller decisions – what to have for dinner, who can the child play with, are video games ok – are left to the parent with current physical custody, that’s not a good argument for an education choice. A child would likely have intense difficulties switching from home schooling some weeks to in class instruction others.
When it comes to major conflicts you can choose to negotiate, or you can consider mediation. Finding working solutions to these big questions can require help. But it may also be worth it to know how far you are willing to go for your preferred outcome. Is home school the only choice you can imagine for your child?
You get to advocate for your perspective, but nothing is guaranteed
If you and your co-parent cannot reach an agreement, then your decision over schooling will likely end up before a judge. The judge will consider what is in the best interests of the child in that case. At that point, the outcome is out of your hands.