Two Parents, One School
For many parents, there is a sense of relief when discussing the return to school after the long summer holidays. Having the house back to a semblance of normality is a delight for many. However, many parents will be worrying about the choice of secondary schools. This can be an ordeal in normal circumstances but can be further complicated in families where parents are separated, especially when different household locations and personal opinions come into play. Many separated parents have their own ways of dealing with conflict and disagreement, but what happens if agreement cannot be reached?
In family law, there are guidelines for how parties should handle family matters and child arrangements, emphasising the use of Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) with the aim of settling matters early and without the need for court intervention. This can be achieved through mediation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), arbitration, or negotiation.
Disagreements about schools are a hot topic for our family team here at Emsleys Solicitors. While separated parents can usually co-parent in harmony, conflicts can and do arise. With deadlines quickly approaching, parents and even guardians who hold special guardianship orders should be aware of their legal position and the next steps.
Obtaining legal advice is often the best first step if a disagreement has gone too far. Appointing a family lawyer who specialises in child matters is essential to achieving a fair outcome. If an amicable decision cannot be reached via resolution or mediation, court intervention may be required. The courts ultimately have the power to make a decision in the best interests of the child based on the information available.
However, crunch time is approaching. The courts require time to consider all the information relevant to the decision, including Ofsted reports, school suitability, and the wishes of the child. Applications therefore cannot be left until the last minute. The national deadline for standard secondary school applications is 31 October 2026. To ensure the legal process can be completed in time, parents facing unresolved or ongoing conflict should act immediately.
Whether you are navigating disagreements over the choice of school for your child, arrangements for child contact, child or holiday travel arrangements, the Emsleys family team is here to help and advise you on all child matters. All our lawyers are members of Resolution and follow their Code of Practice.
Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation on 0113 201 4902 or email us at family.law@emsleys.co.uk to help you move forward with confidence.
