Your special needs child might have a hard time adjusting during and after your divorce, and that makes things even harder on you. In addition to the upheaval of your child’s normal schedule and routines, you may have to deal with continuing medical treatments on your own or face new financial obligations. The good news? Your Mississauga divorce lawyer can protect your child’s rights under the law and may even be able to refer you to a support group where you can talk about the issues you’re facing with like-minded moms and dads.
Child Custody and Visitation for Your Special Needs Child
Your Mississauga divorce lawyer will encourage you and your spouse to work together so you can determine where your child will live and who will be responsible for his or her routine care. If you cannot, the courts may have to decide custody for you.
Medications and Medical Treatment
Kids who are chronically ill or who require regular medications need to be able to depend on both parents. By creating a parenting plan that ensures you’re both committed to administering medications and seeking the appropriate medical treatment, you can rest easy when your special needs child is with your ex. If creating a parenting plan proves too difficult, ask your lawyer whether you should work with a parenting coordinator to make these types of decisions.
If your ex is no longer in the picture, all that responsibility falls solely on your shoulders—and that’s a tough burden to bear. Your Mississauga divorce lawyer might suggest that you talk to a therapist who’s experienced in issues like these so you can preserve your own mental health.
Financial Considerations
Raising a special needs child often causes parents to incur additional expenses. While child support will address the child’s needs until he or she reaches the age of majority, you should ask your Mississauga divorce lawyer about securing spousal support to help defray the costs you’ll incur after that time.
When to Call Your Mississauga Divorce Lawyer
Any time that you feel your child is in danger, or when you just can’t seem to stretch your budget far enough to cover expenses related to your child’s care, you’ll need to call your Mississauga divorce lawyer. Your lawyer will provide you with legal advice that’s tailored to your unique situation.
