How to Share Information with Your Co-Parent

As a divorced couple in Florida, both parents should be engaged and involved in their child’s life. This requires both parents to share pertinent information with each other, so each parent can participate and stay informed about their child. Here are some basic principles to follow when sharing information with the other parent:

Parent’s Right to Information:

Each parent has the right to confer with their child’s school, childcare, healthcare providers, coaches, and other persons regarding their child’s educational, emotional, and social progress. Similarly, each parent has the right to receive information about their child, including the child’s academic and attendance records, medical treatment, and extracurricular schedule. You must sign any necessary documents and releases to ensure the other parent has access to this information. 

Each parent should be listed as an “emergency contact” for the child on all paperwork. You must list the other parent on all forms, before listing any other family or friends, even if your family or friends transport the child.

Sharing Information:

Each parent has the right to attend all appointments, special events, programs, and activities in which the child may be engaged. You must notify the other parent of the specific date and time for all healthcare and educational appointments for your child. Likewise, you must notify the other parent of the child’s activities, with sufficient notice to allow the other parent to attend. 

You should also keep the other parent informed when the child is sick, home from school, in a new relationship, or in trouble. Ideally, you and the other parent should determine discipline and routines across households, then support and reinforce the other parent’s rules to the child. 

Monitoring Children

With growing technology, both parents should have access to their child’s email, social media accounts, webpages, and blogs (including imaging, video and written blogs), including the login and password for every account. This allows both parents to monitor the child’s online presence to ensure his or her safety. 

Do you have questions about your rights and responsibilities for your child and the other parent? Contact Rachel Borntreger at (850) 694-1411 or visit northfloridadivorce.com. 

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