Divorce with Special Needs Children

Taking care of a child with special needs can be as demanding as a full-time job. In two-parent households the responsibilities can be divided, but this is not always possible or preferable. When you are divorcing and have a child with special needs, there are some unique considerations to address. Child support payments, visitation issues, and the child’s emotional stability all take on added significance in these cases.

Issues for Divorcing Parents of Special Needs Children

It can be difficult for special needs children to understand the reasons their parents are divorcing. The transition is especially hard on children with autism and other mental health disorders. However, there are challenges for physically disabled children as well. Here are some issues that divorcing parents of special needs children often face:

• Scheduling visitation around children’s medical needs
• Arranging payments for child support, medications, doctor’s visits
• Determining possession of wheelchair-friendly vehicles and other special items

Helping Special Needs Children Understand the Divorce Process

When you are becoming a single parent of a special needs child, it can help to have friends and family to rely on. Physically and mentally challenged children are often able to adjust to a divorce just as well as other children, but it may take more time and present divorcing couples with unexpected challenges.

Contact Us

A compassionate and understanding Oceanside divorce attorney may be able to help you and your spouse to ensure that your son or daughter with special needs is not subject to unnecessary additional stress as a consequence of your divorce. Contact Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP, at 760-722-7646 to discuss your unique situation with us.