If I have custody, can the other parent see my child's school and health records?

If I have custody, can the other parent see my child's school and health records?

Usually, both parents can see their child's school records. If there is any court order that says the other parent is not allowed to see your child, then he is not allowed to see your child’s school records either, unless the court writes in an order that he can see the records.

A parent who does not have custody cannot see or get copies of school records if there is any court order that says:

• the other parent cannot see your child;
• the other parent cannot visit your child;
• the other parent can only visit your child with supervision, and the order says the reason for supervised visitation is danger to your child ;
• the other parent cannot have "legal custody", and the order says the reason for no legal custody is danger to your child ; or
• there is a Probate and Family Court order that says the parent cannot see the student records.

If any of these things are true, then the school must not let the other parent see the school records. If you do not want the other parent to see the school records, give the school a copy of the court order. The school should agree not to send records to the other parent. Also, the school should take your child's address and telephone number off any information that it sends to the other parent.

This law only applies to school records. The other parent has the right to see your child's medical, hospital, and other health records. If you are afraid for your safety, you can ask the medical office to take your child's address and telephone number off any records that they give to the other parent.