An Attorney Who Has Walked In Your Shoes

Special Needs Children And Parenting Time

Once a custody order has been established, it is essential that a comprehensive parenting time plan also is created. This is especially important when the child involved has special needs. When facing a parenting time matter involving a special needs child, turn to me, attorney Claudette-Jean Girard. As a woman who has been through a divorce and has an adult child with special needs, I thoroughly understand my clients’ concerns when dealing with these issues. I help clients keep their focus on the child and his or her best interests.

I help clients consider a range of issues when creating a parenting time plan. To learn more about these plans or to schedule a free initial 30-minute consultation, call 877-622-6089. I offer appointments at either my law office in Monson, Massachusetts, or my satellite office in Springfield, or at a location convenient to you.

Consistency From House To House

When a special needs child is shuffled between houses, it is especially important that there is consistency in their daily routines and boundaries. We set up very specific agreements, allowing for the easy transition of the child from parent to parent. These agreements may include creating logs for medication administration, meals and sleeping patterns. Parents have to be open and communicative for the child to have what he or she needs at all times.

Community Services

A special needs child may qualify for certain community and governmental services. However, these services are not always offered to both parents. When structuring a parenting time plan, we can discuss how these services can be divided between parents or how we can attempt to secure the services for both parents in order to provide for the child’s well-being.

Other Parenting Time Matters

In addition to dealing with the issue of parenting time, I can also provide guidance on a range of other issues that may be affecting your special needs child and family, including:

  • Divorce
  • Custody and visitation
  • Parental cooperation
  • Child support issues
  • Physical limitations of parents to care for the child

Time spent with parents is especially important for a special needs child

After a divorce, children must be able to spend time with their parents. Special needs children require certain accommodations to ensure that their lives stay consistent, supportive and facilitate growth while going between parents.

It is possible to arrange parenting time to suit not only the requirements of a special needs child but also be in the best interests of everyone involved. Contact me today to learn more about your options. I offer a free initial 30-minute consultation.