Hi - I'm a divorced dad, currently have kids 40% of the time. I have my own house, with a fully furnished bedroom for the kids. I buy them clothes, shoes, take them for haircuts, etc. I homeschool them two days a week. I also tend to be the one who sorts things out with the school. Basically, I'm very involved with their lives and not just a "Disney Dad".
My ex-wife and I came to this arrangement amicably. We live ten minutes from each other and - up until now - everything has been fine. As such, I never felt a need to put our custodial arrangements through the courts. I just assumed that I, essentially, had joint custody.
Recently, however, my ex has been making noises that she would like to continue homeschooling the kids indefinitely - essentially take them out of school altogether and teach them herself. FWIW the kids are both primary school age and she isn't a qualified teacher. She claims the kids haven't missed school so will be fine.
I've told her, politely, I disagree - rgardless of anything else, I think it would be better for the boys to stay where they are, especially as there isn't any major issues. Neither are being bullied or have special learning needs.
So far she seems to be happy "considering" things until the next school year. I'd like to think she wouldn't take them out of school without my agreement, however when I researched the matter I discovered she might be able to do so without my permission regardless. This is because I didn't officially apply for joint custody through the courts, so - despite the reality of arrangements - the kids are considered to be living with mum and her managing their needs with myself simply having visiting rights. It was never suggested that I should do - and apparantly joint custody is still considered a rarity in the UK.
Have I got this correct? If so, is it too late to apply for joint custody? How do I go about it?
Thanks in advance for any help!