Communication

The parent having physical care will be the one receiving information on school events, getting conference slips and report cards. These should be shared with the other parent. Except for emergency situations, the parent then having physical care has a responsibility of communicating to the other parent the need to make the decision and making the necessary information available. Both parents have an obligation to personally discuss these problems with each other. See In re Marriage of Fortelka, 425 N.W.2d 671, 673 (Iowa Ct. App. 1988); In re Marriage of Nelson, 2003 Iowa App. LEXIS 1502 (Iowa Ct. App., Apr. 30, 2003).

Refusal to communicate and susceptibility for refusing to communicate is considered by the Court as a violation of “best interest of the child” standard. In re Marriage of Hansen, 733 N.W.2d 683, 695 (Iowa 2007).