Legal Question in Family Law in Connecticut

School decision

My ex has custody of my 14 year old son. Last year she placed him in a

private school (against my objections) rather than attend the local high

school. The local public high school has an excellent reputation and is well

funded. The private school was highly competitive and he did poorly

academically even though he has been an A/B student. This year she has

placed him in another private school. She is having him repeat ninth grade

even though he passed all his classes last year. According to the school

counselor my son would have no trouble with tenth grade curriculum. My son

told his mother that he would like to go back to his local school and not

repeat the ninth grade. This was met with extreme anger and a coercive

discussion of the reasons for her decision. He relented. I find this very

disturbing and feel he should advance to grade ten and return to school with

his long time friends (He has lived in this community since birth). There is no

compelling reason for him to repeat ninth grade and this decision has the

potential to be harmful. I have indicated as such to his mother�she

disagrees. What legal recourse do I have and how much of a chance do I have

to change this situation?


Asked on 8/12/05, 11:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Heffernan Heffernan Legal Group, LLP

Re: School decision

Is it joint legal custody, with her having primary residence? Or is it sole legal custody with her? Assuming it's joint, you have a shot at getting the situation changed, but it will be expensive (the court will appoint an attorney for the child, say, $3500 - $5000), and the child will have to stand up to his mother in court.

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Answered on 8/15/05, 10:17 am


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