What to do about custody options?
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What to do about custody options?
My ex-wife moved recently, and has enrolled my children in a new school. There is no bus service where they are, so the children will be walking, and as there is a 5 year age difference, they will be attending separate schools. Her plan is to have our 6 year old daughter stay at school for 30 minutes or more, by herself, until my 11 year old can get to the elementary school to walk her home. It should be noted that my 11 year old is not legally mine, she was from a previous relationship before we were married. I have the ability to get them to and from school near me, in a better more accredited school district, with there being an adult with them at all times. Ihave been reluctant to go for sole custody, as it would most likely result in my daughters being separated but I feel as though, at this point, giving my ex the benefit of the doubt to make good decisions as to the welfare of the children, is no longer an option. We opted out of friend of the court when we divorced. What are my options?
Asked on September 5, 2012 under Family Law, Michigan
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
I suggest that you call your "ex" about the concerns you have with respect to the children in the new shcool district that you have written about and suggest a face to face meeting to discuss options. One option is for you to have the children enrolled in a school district where you reside and you take them to and from school.
The ages of your children walking to and from school raises a concern for their safety if they are not being supervised by an adult in their journey.
If the "ex" is unwilling to allow you to enroll the children in a school district where you reside and modify child custody arrangements where most likely they will be residing with you during the work week, you should consult with a family law attorney to discuss what your legal options are, which could be a petition to modify the child custody order presently in place.
Ultimately you need to consider what is in the best interests for the children presently and in the long run with respect to school and other issues.
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