Bristol and Plymouth Child Custody Lawyers
When parents decide to terminate their marriage, issues of divorce and custody take on a different perspective when dealing with "special needs" children who have sensory, muscular, or developmentally-challenged conditions.
Additionally, parents of children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disabilities (SLD), or autism quite often have different opinions when it comes to the day-to-day decisions that relate to the health and well being of the child.
Who Gets Custody of Special Needs Children?
Baseline concepts for dealing with custody and child support in most family situations may not fit the "special needs" family, but there is rarely any special treatment by the courts and issues tend to be handled in the same cookie cutter approach as in other cases. The default decisions always come with the answer based on what is in the "best interest" of the child.
The Know-How to Get the Job Done and Affordable Lawyers Who Fight For You
Our attorneys understand the special circumstances you are facing as the parent of a child with special needs, and we explore all of the potential complications you may encounter. Our focus is protecting the best interest of the child, and helping you preserve the special relationship you have with your son or daughter.
Even if you have traditionally done what is best for your child, once divorced you may no longer have full legal or physical custody. Your former spouse may not always agree with the decisions you make for what you consider to be in the best interest of your child.
Our Attorneys Have a Keen Insight Into the Unique Issues of a Special Needs Family
If you are a parent of a special needs child and facing divorce, you face a wide range of difficult issues, including:
- Which parent is able to physically care for the child by themselves? Parents must be able to physically care for their special needs child on their own in order to have a true ability to handle certain custody and parenting agreements. If one parent is unable to physically care for a child, arrangements must be made, or a custody agreement structured accordingly.
- What is each parent's work schedule? Mornings are difficult for many families, but families of children with special needs face more challenges than most. Children need extra help, parents are extra exhausted, and if tempers get short and stress gets high, meltdowns are sure to follow. For children who only have a limited amount of control to spend throughout the day, a bad morning can lead directly into a bad day at school.
Honest Answers for Your Family
No matter what type of problems your face as a divorcing parent with special-needs children, you will have questions for your attorney. For that reason alone, our attorneys promise to be with you every step of the way.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, call (800) 299-DIVORCE or contact us online for an appointment at any of our local offices or convenient satellite conference centers.
