Statistics are mixed when it comes to child education in Tennessee. The Sycamore Institute states that while school districts are improving, a staggering 83% of fourth graders scored “below proficient” in reading ability in 2022. Another recurring issue in Tennessee schools is the prevalence of “chronic absences.” Parents who are concerned about educational progress may face even greater challenges during and after divorce. These parents should do everything in their power to limit the negative consequences of divorce for their children, and the first step is to learn how divorce impacts educational growth. Relevant information might include research papers, statistics, and education provided by an experienced divorce lawyer in Tennessee. Work with King Law Offices to develop effective action plans for children, limiting divorce impacts while providing ample opportunities for success. We serve families in Johnson City, Washington County, and we also assist families in North Carolina and South Carolina. Call (888) 748-KING to discuss how best to serve the best interests of the children.
Education Is a Best Interest Factor in Tennessee
When parents go through a divorce or a breakup in divorce, child custody becomes a major issue. When determining child custody, family courts in Tennessee consider various “best interest factors.” These are the most important things that could affect the quality of life, health, and safety of a child. One of these best interest factors is the way in which divorce impacts education. In other words, family courts will strive to place a child with a parent who is best suited to encourage and support their educational growth. If a parent wishes to pursue positive outcomes during custody, they should present themselves as a positive influence in the context of education. An experienced family law attorney at King Law Offices may be able to help parents accomplish this goal.
Various strategies could prove effective in this scenario. A parent might highlight the presence of a “homework space” in their home that allows the children to study in a quiet, productive manner. A parent might also demonstrate extensive knowledge about the academic challenges and progress of their child. The more a parent knows about their child, the more likely they are to experience a positive custody outcome. Before a divorce, consider speaking with teachers to understand the progress of the child. A parent might have a demonstrable history of helping with homework, picking up/dropping off, and volunteering at school. Whatever the case may be, parents should highlight their contributions as best as possible.
The Connection Between Education and the Family Home
Divorce impacts both the family home and education of a child. These two factors may be interconnected, as the family home is often in close proximity to the school. As a result, the parent who maintains ownership of the family home may be more likely to gain custody for logistical reasons. Family courts try to avoid causing unnecessary stress for children during divorce, and it may not make sense to place them in a home far away from their current school. Family courts also tend to avoid causing the child to relocate to a different school, as this would cause them to lose friends and other community connections. As a result, a parent who moves out of the family home may need to think carefully about the location of their new residence. If they choose a new home that is too far away from the current school, it may be difficult to pursue positive custody results. The court could determine that living in this new home does not serve the best interests of the child, since it is too far from the school.
A parent in this situation might want to choose a home in the same general neighborhood as the current school. In fact, they might actually gain an advantage if they can find a residence closer to the school than the current family home. Sometimes, switching schools is beneficial during divorce. For example, a parent might move away from the family home and into a neighborhood close to a school with a special program that serves the unique needs of the child. For example, this new school might have a special program for gifted students or those with learning disabilities. In this situation, the family court might actually encourage the child to relocate and benefit from this new school.
How Divorce Affects College Education
During divorce, parents might need to think about how they are going to pay for college tuition. Even if the child in question is still very young, it makes sense to consider this issue during divorce. During mediated discussions and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), parents may be able to plan effectively for post-secondary education. For example, parents might agree to pay a certain percentage of tuition costs after the child turns 18. A parent with a higher earning capacity might agree to contribute more than a parent with less wealth and income.
These discussions are important because once the child turns 18, child support is no longer enforceable. Unless parents make these decisions ahead of time, there is no legal requirement to continue contributing financially to an adult child. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost for tuition for in-state Tennessee students is over $10,000 per year.
Learn More About How Divorce Impacts Education With King Law Offices
Divorce impacts children in different ways depending on their unique circumstances. For example, a child with strong academic abilities might not struggle as much as a low-performing student after a divorce. However, even highly intelligent children can act out or become unmotivated in class. A student who struggles with behavior issues and learning disabilities might face a serious uphill challenge after experiencing a divorce. While learning how divorce impacts child education is important, it is only the first step. The next stage is to address this issue with targeted strategies, and an experienced divorce lawyer in Tennessee may be able to help. Schedule a consultation with King Law Offices today by calling (888) 748-KING. We serve families throughout Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.