When families decide to homeschool it is usually a joint decision between both parents. However, when families divorce, one parent is suddenly vehemently against allowing the other parent to continue. In most of these cases, it is a matter of punishing and controlling the homeschooling parent… never mind how it affects the child.
The thing that homeschooling parents need to most understand is that homeschooling decisions should not be made in a bubble. No matter how strongly one parent feels about homeschooling, it is best to not proceed unless both parents feel as strongly. Don’t’ try to cajole, sweet talk, or otherwise twist your spouses arm about homeschooling because if the marriage ends, homeschooling will be an issue.
The Home School Legal Defense Association stays out of homeschooling cases where there are custody issues. There are too many unknown factors in a divorce and getting in the middle of such issues could be dangerous to the homeschool movement as a whole. Still parents who find themselves in such a situation need resources that can help them prevail when homeschooling is used to vilify a parent, or when schooling becomes a question in the custody battle.
Well, such resources are hard to come by, but perhaps studying the cases of others who have lived through such situations will be helpful.
This article explains how homeschooling divorce cases affect all homeschoolers and also gives tips for developing a strong case based on laws. For example, you need to understand that “Your state’s homeschooling law is critical. Get a copy of the law and be very familiar with what it requires and does not require. A good source of information is a statewide inclusive grassroots homeschooling organization. If such an organization does not exist, look on the Internet for state statutes pertaining to homeschooling and ask experienced homeschoolers in your area.”
For more information, you may want to read the articles at The Homeschool Diner’s Guide to Homeschooling, Divorce, and Custody issues. The site includes previous cases on homeschooling and custody.
There is also a homeschool group for homeschooling moms in divorce situations.
*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.
* Have you seen the homeschooling curriculum glossary?