Can an absent parent have access to the children's counseling records?

Question

My ex and I are getting ready to change our custody papers. Unfortunately it is not going to be easy because neither one of us agrees. The kids are currently in counseling to help them through this stressful time. Can I call the counselor that their dad will be sending them to and find out how they are doing? I still have all my rights but am planning on moving out of state hence the reason we are going to court.

Answer 1

Not unless dad signs a release form authorizing any info be released to you

Answer 2

BOTh parents have rights to their childrens health records and should be involved. So you should have the right to know how your children are doing. but it depends also on yur current agreement.

Might I add...
You and your ex better get into agreement because the more you disagree the only ones you are hurting are your children. And the courts take a very dim view of a parent who uses custody as a battle ground against an ex.
Do NOT go there. If it means staying in state... I would suggest you do that for the sake of your children.

Answer 3

Do you guys have joint legal custody? If you do, both parents have the right to this info, but may need to show documentation.

Incidently, why on earth would you move out of state and force your kids to lose most contact with one parent? This seems terrible unkind to me and likely to backfire.

Answer 4

Why is it people are so blind. Everything you need to know about YOUR divorce, YOUR custody arrangements, YOUR support arrangements are in YOUR divorce papers. Any questions that come up you should ALWAYS refer to YOUR divorce papers first. Then if you have questions if you're still not clear CALL YOUR LAWYER. No two divorces are alike and divorce papers say different things based upon the two people who went through the particular divorce. Asking someone here you are going to get all kinds of answers, because everyone's divorce papers are different. I have a friend who's husband has no rights to ANY information about her children other than where they live. He has no rights to their medical information or educational information. On the other hand my ex has access to my daughter's educational information, medical information, where she works and of course lives. Divorces and laws vary from state to state...so you need to check your divorce papers first. Then if you need to change something you need to do so in court.