Even if you've been homeschooling for years with the support of your spouse, you may encounter problems if you try to continue during or after a divorce. Sometimes, an ex-spouse tries to put a stop to homeschooling because of real educational concerns or worry about the well-being of the children. All too often, however, the motivation seems to be revenge. In some cases, previously supportive spouses try to win custody by making homeschooling seem strange and unhealthy. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your right to homeschool after divorce.
Instructions
1. Keep meticulous records after a divorce. In some states, record-keeping requirements are more relaxed than in others. However, you need to keep detailed records in case you have to defend your right to homeschool in court.
2. Show on paper (and through pictures) that your children are receiving a balanced education that not only provides sound academics, but also offers regular social activities.
3. Enroll your child in extracurricular activities, such as church groups or girl or boy scouts. Although most homeschooled children have plenty of opportunity to interact with those outside of their families, many spouses find the easiest issue to raise is socialization. If your spouse can make it appear that your child is being isolated, you may have a real court fight on your hands.
4. Obtain a list of the higher education institutions that accept and even encourage homeschoolers to apply and enroll. There are hundreds of colleges and universities that should make your list. You can find out about these institutions at LearninFreedom.org.
5. Visit the National Home Education Research Institute website for homeschooling statistics that you might be able to use to make your case in family court.
6. Ship a good homeschooling book to your former spouse if you think he will actually read it. He may rediscover the benefits of homeschooling on his own. A popular book is "Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense" by David Guterson.
7. Think ahead concerning parenting time issues. Homeschooling can provide greater scheduling flexibility, a fact that may actually prove a benefit for your spouse.
8. Get a divorce attorney, and make sure you choose a good one. Though money is likely to be tight following a divorce, defending your decision to homeschool means you will probably need one. Borrow if you have to.
9. Enlist the support of those involved in homeschooling your children. If you work with an evaluator, she may be able to testify on your behalf. Other people who may help your case are psychologists, extracurricular activity leaders and educational staff at cyber schools (if your children attend one).
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