Massachusetts Lawyer For Divorce With Special Needs Children
Divorce is difficult, even when a typical family is involved. When the couple has a child with special needs, the issues become much more complex.
At my firm, Claudette-Jean Girard, Attorney at Law, clients in central and western Massachusetts receive the benefit of my personal experience for their divorce cases. As the parent of a special needs child and a woman who has experienced her own family law issues, I know you need someone who can be objective and not let the emotion of the moment cloud your decision making. I have a unique insight into my clients’ situations, and I understand how professional legal counsel serves their interests. I help them understand their rights and why it is important to place the focus on the special needs child.
When a couple is going through a divorce and they have a special needs child, it is important to keep the child’s needs at the forefront. Parents also need to consider how the divorce may affect school, a child custody plan and their ability to physically care for the child by themselves before reaching an agreement. Below are some of the common issues that come up in the course of finalizing a divorce involving a special needs child. For more information or to schedule a initial consultation, call my Springfield office at 877-622-6089 today.
Addressing School Issues
When drawing up a divorce agreement, I help clients choose language that requires consultation with both parents when schooling decisions are a concern. It is important that there are checks and balances in place so both parents can be decision-makers without the other interfering with this right. However, in instances where it is in the child’s best interest to have one parent be a decision-maker, we can structure an agreement that reflects this decision.
Decisions Related To Physical Limitations
With special needs children come special accommodations. Parents must be able to physically care for their special needs child on their own in order to have a custody agreement or parenting time agreement that meets the child’s needs. It is important to make appropriate arrangements or structure a custody agreement appropriately if one parent is unable to physically care for a child to ensure that the child’s needs are met. I often put my client’s in contact and refer to community resources that can assist in this regard.
Working Toward Parent Cooperation
Parties are often at odds with each other over many issues within the divorce. It is important to take care to mitigate the impact of the divorce on a special needs child. It is extremely important that parents cooperate in order to see that the child’s well-being is intact throughout the divorce process and afterward. I work to maintain a child-centered approach and keep my clients focused throughout the process. While structuring an agreement, I help guide my clients through discussions regarding child support, daycare, medical bills and other expenses.
Get Experienced Guidance During A Difficult Time
To learn more about how divorce cases involving special needs children are handled, contact me today. Reach out to Claudette-Jean Girard, Attorney at Law for a initial consultation. I offer appointments at a location convenient to you.