How Does Changing Schools Affect Custody?

Last updated on March 5, 2026

Determining whether a child can enroll in a different school district or school after divorce can be a contentious issue in Michigan. Attorney Lisa Stern in Bloomfield Hills has extensive experience in advising parents who wish to change schools, relocate, or make other child custody or parenting time changes after divorce.

Do You Need Court Permission To Enroll Your Child In A Different School?

If you and your former spouse have joint legal custody of your children, major decisions, such as which school your child will attend, must be made jointly. If your former spouse objects to the school change, you will need court permission to change schools.

In determining whether to approve the change, the school will consider the reasons for making the changes. Examples of reasons you might want to change schools include:

• The new school offers educational advantages.
• The school may have a program for your child’s special needs.
• Your child is facing bullying at his or her present school.

Extracurricular Activities And Child Custody

As children get older, extracurricular activities, traveling sports teams and even special camps can have a major effect on the time you spend with your children. This can lead to issues such as:

• Who pays for the extracurricular activities?
• Who drives children to the activities?
• When does an extracurricular activity interfere with parenting time?

If a dispute needs to be resolved in family court, it’s important to know which judge will hear your case. Different judges rule differently on these cases.

Contact Attorney Lisa D. Stern

For an initial consultation with Michigan lawyer Lisa Stern, call 248-973-7842 or complete the online contact form. You can discuss schools, extracurricular activities and parenting time with utmost candor and confidentiality.