Why would a child school want a copy of the parents divorce papers ?

Question

Just curious they asked me for it, to me its private issue

Answer 1

It's probably more a custody thing than a divorce thing. For the safety and care of the children, they need the custody arrangement.

Answer 2

It definately isn't because they want to know about you divorse but they probaly want to cover there own but incase there is a custody issue some custody issues are becoming more and more ugly everyday and if the school let your child go home with the father and they weren't supposed to the only way they can say no is if they have seen a court document that says he can only go home with you or some one you give permission to. It is just for safety reason I would say.....you know what if you take the pages out or make a copy of the papers and cover up any personal or financial issues that you believe shouldn't be shared and see what they say. If all they need is info on custody then that is all you give them!!

Answer 3

I don't know why they want a copy of the divorce papers - just knowing you are divorced is enough info. Unless there's a custodial issue (like if you have full custody and your ex has NO rights like picking up the child, removing them from school, etc.) I see no reason they need copies. But that could be allowed in your state.

Answer 4

The only reason I can think of is that you have to prove which parent has custody of the child.

The school wants to be sure that your child is attending the right campus for where they live. Depending on which parent has custody the child will attend school in that particular zone.

Another reason for the school to know about the custody arrangement would be incase one parent says something over another.

You would not believe how many times a teacher or principal has to mediate between parents that do things like oooh let's see it's friday and dad has custody. So mom just up and doesn't pick the kid up at school because DAD IS SUPPOSED TO DO IT.

It's just easier if the school knows which parent to hold accountable and that info should be in your divorce papers.

Answer 5

I work at a school and they ask for a copy to prove the terms of the divorce-who is allowed to have the child and when. It keeps the school out of trouble. There has been more than one time when a parent has lied to a school about the other parent and whether or not the parent has rights to the kid.

Answer 6

Because they want to make sure they are following court orders regarding the noncustodial parent. Some parents will try to exclude the other parent from school activities, coming to the school to visit or pick up their child or receive progress reports, etc, regarding the child. No school wants to get caught in the middle of that and find out that they have been violating a court order so they make sure they have a copy of the divorce papers that outline all the rights of each parent.

Answer 7

1) Check into the laws where you live and find out what the requirements are. 2) Take what you know (not what you believe, but that you have some reasonable proof of) and compare it to the laws: does the mother seem to be meeting the legal requirements (even if the legal requirements don't meet your standards of "proper" education)? If so, there's nothing to do. If she isn't meeting legal requirements, then contact the dept. of education for your state to inform them. Most places have very loose education laws, don't require kids to be at the same level as public school kids... If there are other issues involved (things that could warrant getting Child Protective Services involved--but don't go that route unless you want your kids to possibly end up somewhere other than with you), it might be worth talking to a lawyer. ADDED: If you both have custody, he shouldn't be with his mom full-time. Talk to your lawyer. When custody is being held up properly, you can talk to your son about his future and what would be needed and get him involved in studying other things.

Answer 8

We had to surrender divorce papers between my husband and his ex to the school too. We have custody of my step son, and the school wanted records just in case she tried to pick him up from school. Also, as the parent she has the right to call and question anything about the school, his grades...all that stuff, so they had to have her information on file as well.

I argued the point that it was a private matter, but I got the response "in a public school, it's a public matter - you want private, go to a private school". Nice, huh?

Good Luck -- it's good that you are questioning it. Good Mom and good wife....protective -- just the way you're supposed to be! :-)

Answer 9

They need hard evidence of what the stipulations are in the divorce agreement. Specifically matters of custody. Some parents are considered a threat to their child (drug addict moms, irate fathers...etc) and if he or she comes into the school and tries to take the child out for an "appt", the school has concrete evidence that they must protect the child. Child abduction is growing unusually common, and the school is responsible if your child is abducted under there watch. Purely precautionary, and not a slight to you in the least

Answer 10

Possibly to see what terms and conditions exist for the former spouse. Every divorce is different and they don't want to get caught in the middle of a legal mess. Especially if one spouse is not suppose to have access to the child and presents at the front office asking for said child. It seems intrusive but it's basically a case of cya (covering your ASSets).