Child Custody Involving High-Achieving Students in Atlanta

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, many students in Atlanta face significant academic challenges and are lagging behind. For example, among certain groups, only 15 percent of students achieved math proficiency by eighth grade. However, there are always outliers. Therefore, if your student is currently excelling academically, you may be concerned about how your Atlanta divorce will affect their continued performance.

Divorce Can Seriously Affect Educational Performance

One of first thing parents should understand is that divorce can affect a child’s academic performance and statistically tends to have a negative impact. The Center for Divorce Education noted that when a child witnesses their parents’ divorce, their grades tend to decline. While every child responds differently, the emotional stress and disruption associated with the end of a marriage can make it more difficult for students to concentrate, complete assignments, and perform at their usual level. Often, this decline can occur at the worst possible time, including during important educational milestones.

For example, if a child begins struggling in middle school, lower grades may affect placement in advanced courses in high school, and later scholarship opportunities or college admissions. Accordingly, these academic declines could not only affect the next few years of their educational journey, but their entire academic lives.

To make matters worse, a child is also statistically more likely to drop out of high school altogether during or after a divorce in Atlanta. Statistics further show that many of these students never attend college.

How Can I Maintain My Child’s Educational Performance Throughout the Divorce?

If your student is a high achiever and you want to maintain their current level of performance during the divorce, there are several steps you can take to minimize the impact of divorce on their education. The first step is to maintain as much stability and predictability as possible for your child. For example, it may be best for the child to keep them in the family home, even if one parent has moved out. This gives them access to the same at home workspace that they are accustomed to.

You may also want to consider resolving your divorce through alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation, rather than formal litigation. Many child psychologists believe that because this negotiation process is typically more collaborative, private, and less adversarial than a formal proceeding, it may help reduce the stress and uncertainty children experience during their parent’s divorce. It is also less time-consuming, which ensures that your child can quickly adjust to a new routine and refocus their attention on school sooner.

You should also remain actively involved in your child’s education throughout the process. You may want to do so by maintaining regular communication with your child’s teachers, monitoring your child’s grades and attendance, and staying engaged in your child’s school-related extracurricular activities. By doing so, if you will be able to identify academic or behavioral concerns in your child early and can work with the school to address potential issues before they become more significant. Demonstrating a consistent commitment to your child’s education can also reinforce the stability and support they need during this period of transition and also help demonstrate your parenting abilities during the divorce process.

Can an Atlanta Divorce Lawyer Help Me?

An Atlanta family law attorney can help you understand how family courts evaluate the role of education in the context of child custody. If your student is currently performing at a high level in school, the family court will generally seek to preserve the stability and support that have contributed to their success. As a parent, you can play an important role by maintaining consistent routines, staying actively involved in your child’s education, and encouraging their continued academic growth. Demonstrating a strong commitment to your child’s educational and overall well-being may also be a relevant factor when the court ultimately evaluates custody and parenting time arrangements for your child. Contact Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French today to learn more.

Sources:

aecf.org/blog/support-is-essential-for-students-of-color-in-atlanta#:~:text=Posted%20October%2029%2C%202024,racial%20wealth%20gap%20in%20Atlanta

divorce-education.com/how-does-divorce-affect-childrens-education/