The end of August signals the start of another school year. Any parent can become stressed or overwhelmed with the demands of the back-to-school season, but this time of year can be especially difficult for parents who are divorced. Arguments may arise over school supply shopping or emergency contact forms, and these disputes can get heated and out of hand if you let them. Co-parenting is not easy, and back-to-school time can make it even more stressful. The following tips can help you if you are recently divorced with a child who is starting school soon.

1. Figure Out Who is Paying For What

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A divorce is considered by many to be a fresh start. People who get divorced often decide to relocate to begin their next chapter in life. Whether it is a move to accept a new job, to be closer to extended family, or simply for a change of scenery, relocating with a child can be difficult. Under Wisconsin divorce law, there are certain rules a parent must follow when he or she wishes to move with his or her child. Either parent who has been granted physical placement of the child can petition to move with the child. Not following the rules of relocation can result is less than favorable consequences and can end with a petition for relocation being denied.

Filing the Motion to Relocate

If a parent wishes to move with a child and make the child’s permanent residence more than 100 miles away from the child's current residence, the parent must file a motion to relocate with the court. The relocation plan in the motion must include:

There are many reasons why couples divorce. Maybe they realized they were better off just as friends, or perhaps someone’s needs were not being met. Whatever the circumstances, the divorce process is almost always more difficult and more complex when there are hostilities between the spouses. It is not uncommon for one spouse to have sole responsibility for the bills or finances. Divorcing with less-than-amicable feelings can sometimes cause that spouse to attempt to hide assets out of spite or anger. Not only is this untruthful, but it is also illegal and can carry some serious consequences. 

Requirements for Financial Disclosure

During a divorce, Wisconsin courts require both spouses to be fully transparent about their finances. All assets owned fully or partially by the individual spouses and all assets owned jointly between the spouses must be disclosed. This includes assets such as:

Divorces are difficult for everyone involved, but they can be especially tough for children. Even children of divorcing parents who are adults have a hard time coping with the fact that their parents are splitting up. Children’s emotions after receiving news of a divorce can range from shock to anger to guilt. While there is nothing you can do to change the situation you are in, there are things you can do to help your children cope. Here are a few tips you can use to help your child deal with your divorce:

Encourage Your Child to Talk

Your child will be feeling a lot of emotions during this time, some of which they may have never felt before. Like adults, children do not always know how to cope with their feelings, so it is important that you help them talk through what they are feeling and thinking throughout the divorce process.

Coming to the decision that you and your spouse should get a divorce is often a relief, as perhaps you will finally be able to live the life you want. While it may feel like a weight has been lifted, there is much work to do before your divorce agreement is completed. The next step in the divorce process can be a daunting one -- letting everyone know you are getting divorced. 

For most people, telling children about divorce is difficult. Here are a few tips to help you make the conversation easier: