Why doesn t HSLDA represent the parent seeking to homeschool in contested custody cases?
Custody cases are very costly. After careful consideration, we determined that to remain solvent, we would have to raise our membership fees for all members if we began representing parents in custody cases. We cannot justify this. Additionally, on many occasions, the breakup of the marriage comes after the parents joined HSLDA as husband and wife. Membership establishes an attorney-client relationship, which means we cannot represent an interest contrary to either spouse, even though one may be trying to keep the other from homeschooling. We do provide a free information packet containing briefs and expert witness referrals and we will consult with the member s attorney where there is no conflict of interest. One exception to our basic rule is if the issue of the legality of homeschooling is a viable issue. In those custody cases, we will defend the legality of home education in that state on behalf of the member family.
