Factors Judges Consider for Child Custody Determinations Part 16

Judges in Florida need to consider the demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to participate and be involved in the child’s school and extracurricular activities when making a child custody determination.

If your child attends school in Broward County, Florida to become a parent volunteer in your child’s classroom, go online to http://browardschools.com/getinvolved/Volunteer-Services and look for the top right button to apply online. The website also includes information pertaining to volunteer opportunities, requirements for security clearances and provides the contact telephone number, 754-321-2300 if you have any questions. The website to become a classroom volunteer if your child attends a Palm Beach County School is https://www.palmbeachschools.org/volunteers/ and the telephone contact numbers listed on the website are 561-434-8789 and 561-434-8771.

There are many private schools such as Pine Crest School (https://www.pinecrest.edu/page/giving/getting-involved) that encourages parent volunteers. If your child attends private school, contact your school to obtain more information to become a parent volunteer.

There are many ways to become involved at your child’s school such as being a volunteer in the classroom, volunteering for a special event such as a Christmas Party or Field Day, or helping out in the lunchroom. Some schools that provide lunch to all children, have parent volunteers serve seconds of fruit and vegetables to the kids which it is a great opportunity to see your child at school and get to know his or her friends.

For extracurricular activities, if you have the ability and time, consider becoming a coach for your child’s team or an assistant coach or a helper. If your child plays baseball, go out with your child for pitching practice or play catch with your child. Many parents operate as a taxi service for their children, driving them to games and practices. Take it a step further and make sure to stay, watch, encourage and cheer on your child and his or her teammates.

Some children opt for educational extra-curricular activities such as IMACS (Immersion of Math and Computer Science). Although helpers may not be needed inside the classroom, it does not mean that you cannot get involved. Talk to the teacher and find out what your child is learning, take a look at what is being sent home with your child and work on home assignments with your child by asking challenging questions.

Most importantly, make sure that your child completes his or her homework, review the homework and talk with your child about his or her homework to expand your child’s knowledge and creativity.

For your divorce or paternity litigation, prepare a journal of what you do to be involved in your child’s school and extra-curricular activities. When preparing a journal include names and contact information of any pertinent witnesses.

This 20 part series tracks what judges are required to consider when making child custody and parenting plan determinations in divorce and paternity cases pursuant to Florida law to help parents focus on what is relevant to the Court to effectively present their divorce, paternity or modification of child custody case. Judicial child custody determination factors 1 to 15 are available in the Child Custody Achieves.

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