September soon rolls around, and with it comes a fresh wave of responsibilities. New uniforms to buy, routines to reset, and decisions to make about your child’s education and care. The back-to-school period can be stressful for any family, but for separated parents, navigating parenting arrangements can bring a unique set of challenges.
From agreeing on costs and schedules to making decisions about schools and term-time plans, even small issues can become a source of tension if not handled carefully.
At Macks Solicitors, we understand how difficult shared parenting arrangements can be. When tensions start to rise, early legal advice or mediation can help keep discussions calm, practical and focused on your child’s best interests. Here are some of the most common back-to-school issues we help parents resolve.
Choosing a School
When both parents have Parental Responsibility, major decisions about a child’s education should be made together. But what if you can’t agree?
One parent may want the child to attend a school nearby, while the other may favour a specialist or faith-based option. Some may want to explore private education, while others may feel strongly about state schools. If you’re stuck and can’t reach a decision, a solicitor can help you navigate your position or, if necessary, apply to the court for a Specific Issue Order. This allows the court to decide what’s in the best interests of your child.
Uniforms and Equipment
Uniforms, shoes, PE kits, lunch money, stationery, after-school clubs, tech – it adds up fast. It’s easy to underestimate just how expensive that start of term can be, especially if you’re kitting out more than one child.
If there’s no clear agreement over how school-related costs should be divided, one parent may feel they’re shouldering the burden. Ideally, both parents should agree in advance on who pays for what. A written agreement, or even just a clear discussion, can go a long way. If you’re struggling to find a common ground, a mediator or solicitor can help you create a fair and practical agreement.
Managing the School Routine
The school run, pick-up times, after-school care, and extracurricular activities can all cause confusion if responsibilities are not clearly defined.
If you share care, you’ll need to decide:
- Who drops off and collects the child on each day
- What happens on inset days or when school finishes early
- Who attends school events and parent meetings
These details may seem minor, but they can quickly become flashpoints if not discussed in advance. Putting everything into a clear Parenting Plan can reduce misunderstandings and help avoid last-minute stress.
Term-Time Holidays and School Events
Some parents may want to take children on holiday during term time to avoid high travel costs. Others worry about attendance records and the impact on learning. There may also be disagreements about who can attend school plays, parents’ evenings or sports days.
If communication is difficult, involving a neutral third party such as a mediator can make these conversations more productive. They can help both parents focus on what is best for the child rather than who is right or wrong.
Contact Us Today
We understand that co-parenting isn’t always easy. If you are struggling to agree with your child’s other parent, our family law team is here to help. Whether you’re hoping to make arrangements peacefully or need legal support to resolve a dispute, we’ll help you find a way forward that works for you and your family. For a free initial assessment of your case call us on 01642 843 667. Alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our family team will be in touch.
