Handling your child's schooling after divorce

Who actually makes school decisions for a child?

This depends on the hadhanah arrangement in place. The hadhanah guardian usually handles daily matters, including routine school affairs like drop-off and pickup. Bigger decisions, such as changing schools, usually need both parents’ agreement.

A child’s welfare is the court’s main consideration in any decision relating to hadhanah.^[1] This means school decisions should be viewed from the child’s benefit, not just one parent’s convenience.

What if parents disagree about school?

Try discussing directly first, especially for decisions that affect the child’s routine, such as changing schools or moving location. Keep a record of this discussion, even briefly, since it helps if the issue continues.

If discussion does not work and this breaches an existing hadhanah order, your Peguam Syarie can advise on the next step, including bringing the matter back to court.

How are school fees handled?

Education-related costs, such as fees and school needs, are usually included in child maintenance considerations alongside other basic needs. The actual amount depends on financial circumstances and the child’s needs, not a fixed formula.

The child maintenance claim guide explains more about how this claim is made and adjusted according to the child’s actual needs.

What if my ex-husband makes a decision without telling me?

Record what happened, when you found out, and its effect on the child. This includes school changes, schedule changes, or other decisions that should have involved you.

Once this pattern continues, not just once, tell your Peguam Syarie so the matter can be brought to court if necessary, especially if it breaches an existing order.

How do I keep my child’s schooling stable during the divorce process?

Try to keep your child’s school routine as consistent as possible while the divorce process runs, since major changes add stress to a child already facing other changes at home.

Discussing school arrangements with your ex-spouse early, even if difficult, usually reduces disputes compared to waiting for an issue to arise unexpectedly.

What is the next step if this becomes a source of tension?

Tell us your actual situation, including the existing hadhanah arrangement and the school issue that has come up. We will help you see how to manage this more clearly for your child’s benefit.