Raising a child with special needs creates many unique challenges for parents. When parents divorce or separate, establishing an effective custody order can be more challenging if they share a child with special needs.
The child’s needs can influence many details of the custody arrangements. What are some of the unique considerations parents need to keep in mind while negotiating custody matters for a child with special needs?
The importance of structure
All children require structure, including predictable schedules and consistent rules. For children with special needs, predictability and structure are even more important. Parents may need to work together to establish shared rules and practices that they enforce in both households.
Decision-making authority
Many times, parents who divorce share legal custody, which is the authority to make decisions for the child. Parents of children with special needs may need to have rules in place that allow one parent to make decisions if their child has a medical emergency and the other is not readily available. Similarly, one parent may need the authority to manage matters related to educational support and disciplinary issues at school.
Access to services
A change in household income and size can have a profound impact on state benefits. Many families raising children with special needs rely on different benefits programs to help their children live the best lives possible. Parents may need to make very strategic decisions to ensure that a child with special needs can still access the benefits they require.
Having experienced legal guidance in handling complex child custody cases can help parents create custody plans that meet all of their children’s needs. Children with special needs generally require extra consideration, but shared custody is possible if parents work together.