What Can I Do if My Ex Does Not Make Our Child Do Homework?

 Posted on September 02, 2025 in Child Custody

Co-parenting after divorce or separation often comes with challenges, especially if one parent does not enforce the same rules at home. Illinois law provides ways to solve disputes like these while keeping the child’s best interests at the center of the decision-making process. If your co-parent is not prioritizing your child’s education, a Wheaton, IL child custody attorney can help you understand your rights and the legal options available to you.

Protecting the Child’s Best Interests in Illinois

Illinois courts make decisions involving custody and parenting time by focusing on the child’s best interests. Under the statute that covers the allocation of parental responsibilities, 750 ILCS 5/602.7,  judges evaluate factors like the child’s educational needs, the ability of each parent to provide consistency, and how well parents encourage school performance.

If one parent refuses to support the child’s education, this can significantly impact a custody dispute. Judges want to see that both parents are working together to support education and overall development. A pattern of neglecting homework could be interpreted as failing to meet these responsibilities.

Legal Options for Settling Parenting Disputes in Illinois

When parents disagree on issues like schoolwork, they are encouraged to resolve disputes through communication and problem-solving methods before going back to court. Illinois law, specifically 750 ILCS 5/602.10, requires many families to attempt mediation before litigation. Mediation allows you to work with a neutral third party who helps you reach practical solutions that support the child’s best interests.

Collaborative law is another option. This way, you and your co-parent, along with your attorneys and other relevant professionals, commit to resolving conflicts outside of court. This approach focuses on cooperation rather than litigation, making it particularly useful for ongoing parenting challenges such as school responsibilities.

If these approaches do not succeed, you can file a petition to modify the parenting plan. Courts have the authority under 750 ILCS 5/610.5 to change how decision-making responsibilities are allocated when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Consistent refusal to enforce schoolwork could qualify as such a change, especially if it is clearly affecting the child’s school performance.

Evidence Needed To Seek a Change in Custody in Illinois

If you believe your child’s academic needs are not being met, you will need more than just your opinion to change a parental responsibilities order. You will need evidence to support your claim. Useful documentation may include:

• Report cards showing declining grades and poor performance linked to incomplete assignments

• Teacher statements about missed homework

• Emails or texts with the other parent demonstrating their refusal to enforce rules

• Records of school meetings addressing the problem

Documentation is critical in these cases. Work with an experienced attorney to ensure you have everything you need to support your claim.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Parental Responsibilities Attorney Today

If your ex consistently refuses to support your child’s education, it may be time to seek legal guidance. At Andrew Cores Family Law Group, we will review your situation, help you gather evidence, and consider all legal options available to you before we act.

Attorney Andy Cores brings valuable insight to these matters as a Fellow of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois and as a former member of the organization’s TEC Committee. He has been recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer since 2012 and works with families every day to help them resolve even the most complex disputes. Call 630-871-1002 today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Wheaton, IL parental responsibilities lawyers.