With school being back in session, parents who are separated will have to switch back to a different schedule for visitation with their children. We addressed summer visitation in an earlier blog, so it only fits to go over the basics of visitation when school is in session.

When school starts up, the weekend visitation for the non-custodial parent under the standard possession order will apply which is the first, third, and fifth weekends of the month. Each Thursday the non-custodial parent will be able to have possession of the children from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. allowing a weeknight dinner with the family. Pickup and drop-off of the children can be at either parent’s residence depending on what is in the custody order. The parents can also choose to do pickup and drop-offs at school instead of each other’s residence. Sometimes, this is done to prevent confrontation while other times it is simply to allow for more time with the children.

Parents will need to remember to deliver the children’s personal effects with them at each exchange period, including clothes, toys, and school supplies. If the children come to your house with a specific item given to them by the other parent, then that item will need to be returned with the children at the end of their visitation period.

Many children participate in extracurricular activities, so getting them to these activities is important while they are in a parent’s possession. Detailed language usually needs to be put into a court order to ensure that a parent is not scheduling too many of these activities during the other parent’s possession time. The order may contain language to make sure the children are making it to these activities. The payment of expenses for these activities can also be laid out in order according to the parties’ agreement.

There are many variables to consider when the children go back to school as addressed above. Parents will need to think about these logistical details when having their case considered by the court. A skilled family law attorney can help you with the different nuances that come into play when dealing with children of separated parents going back to school.