However, when one parent doesn’t agree or help with homeschooling, it can cause family problems. A divorce makes the issue even stickier.

In a recent North Carolina case, Judge Ned Mangum ordered three children back to public school despite four years of successful homeschooling, according to WorldNetDaily.

The judge, who was handling a divorce proceeding for Thomas and Venessa Mills, explained that his goal in ordering the children to register and attend a public school was to make sure that they have a "more well-rounded education." 

He also said that public school would "prepare these kids for the real world and college," and allow them "socialization."

What century is this judge from? 

                              

His legal ruling was despite the fact that the three children, ages 10-12, have been successfully homeschooled for four years after their mother felt that they were not thriving in the public schools.

The children tested up to two years above their grade level, according to Adam Cothes, a spokesman for the mother. He also said that the children were involved in sports and events outside the home, and had leadership roles in a history club.

According to the Homeschool Injustice Website, the judge rewarded the children’s father, a confessed adultery.

“He was given freedom to stay at the family home indefinitely while playing tennis with his mistress,” said Robyn Williams, a homeschooler and certified teacher.

This living arrangement caused major stress to the mother, according to Williams, and it burdened the children with a visitation schedule that created an unworkable and disruptive environment.

"I have never seen such injustice and such a direct attack against homeschool," she stated.

The father's lawyer conceded that the reason for the divorce was the father's "adultery."

Yet the father refused to pay for homeschooling expenses for his children, even though he admitted that his ex-wife was a nurturing, loving mother who did a good job homeschooling.

“He does not believe that continued homeschooling is in the best interest of the children," according to his attorney.  

What a shame that the children will be the losers in this messy case.

Despite its huge success, homeschooling is constantly being challenged in the courts.

However, homeschooling advocates are strong, united, and aggressive when it comes to protecting their constitutional rights to make the best decisions for their children.

For example, recently many homeschoolers from North Carolina recently met and talked to the mother in this case, Venessa Mills, at the Raleigh for Capital Fest 2009 sponsored by North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE).

This event is held for homeschoolers in North Carolina to show support for homeschool laws, and to educate legislators on the success of homeschooling

It’s important that homeschoolers continue to fight.

In California, a court panel recently tried to take away parents’ right to homeschool when they ruled that only “credentialed teachers could properly educate children.”

Thank goodness this outraged homeschool advocates, according to WorldNetDaily.

The conclusion was reversed after the California court was faced with many briefs and objections from individuals and groups, including Congress members. 

It was finally decided that parents, not the state of California, have the constitution right to decide how to educate their children.

"Thousands of California families have educated their children successfully through homeschooling,” according to Senior Counsel Gary McCaleb from the Alliance Defense Fund.

“We're pleased with the court's decision, which protects the rights of families and protects an avenue of education that has proven to benefit children time and time again.”

For more information, see:

Ten Reasons to Criminalize Homeschooling

Number of Homeschoolers Continues to Rise Despite Economy

Judge Orders Homeschoolers into Public District

Homeschool Injustice Website

Facts, Stats and Laws About Homeschooling