Divorce can be tough for any family, but it can be even more complicated when the family includes a child with special needs. It is important to focus on the child’s well-being and address the unique challenges that come up. What should parents consider?
How could your child’s needs impact your custody arrangement?
For special needs children, care and medical support may become particularly important in determining which custody arrangement is in the child’s best interests. Special needs children might need special care, therapies, or medical help that should be included in legal plans. Shared custody might need careful planning so both parents can meet the child’s needs. It is important to think about how close the home is to medical facilities, schools and therapists when choosing where the child will live.
Parents should work with lawyers who know about family law issues that involve special needs children. Their experience can be essential in making sure the custody plans provide the support a child needs.
How can you support your child’s emotional needs?
Emotional effects are the feelings family members, especially children, have during divorce. Children with special needs might experience divorce differently and need extra emotional support. Parents should be ready to give reassurance and keep talking openly.
Can you ensure your child has the financial support they need?
Supporting a child with special needs involves a variety of costs, including medical bills, school costs and therapy fees. It is important to plan for future costs for raising a special needs child. It is especially important to keep in mind that New York law requires parents to support developmentally disabled children for longer than other children. Parents should work with financial planners to create a plan that supports their child.
Can you ensure your child gets the care they need?
Keeping care consistent means making sure the child gets steady and reliable care during the divorce. Children with special needs often depend on a team of caregivers and experts. Parents need to work together to keep these relationships and make sure changes are smooth. This might mean making a detailed care plan that shows responsibilities and schedules for both parents to avoid interruptions in the child’s care.
Can you provide stability to your child as life changes?
Divorce often changes where people live and their daily routines, which can be hard for many special needs children. Parents should try to keep things stable, making sure the child’s routine and care change as little as possible. This might mean planning schedules to keep therapy, medical visits and school the same. Parents who will share custody may also explore alternative arrangements like keeping the child in the same home while parents switch residences.
You can provide for your child during and after divorce
Divorcing with a special needs child needs careful thought and planning to handle the special challenges. With good support and planning, families can go through divorce while keeping things stable and consistent for their special needs child.