Challenges of Families Divorcing With Special Needs Children

When you were married, you and your spouse lovingly looked after your special needs child, providing them the utmost care and giving them as much attention as they needed.

Now that you’re going through a divorce, you’re worried about what the future holds. You know that it’s going to be a lot tougher to be a single parent, especially when you have a special needs child who needs constant and consistent care.

But by knowing the challenges that lie ahead, you will be able to navigate them better and ensure you and your child is happy and healthy.

The following are the challenges you may face if you’re a divorcee with special needs children, as well as information on how a family law attorney can help you during this time.

Child Support Continues Past 18

Usually child support payments end when a child turns 18. But if you have special needs children who were disabled before they turned 18 and cannot live alone, then you’ll have to continue to pay child support if that’s what the court orders. On the other hand, if you have primary custody, you will continue to receive support, which could be a big help.

Caring for Your Children Is a Full-Time Job

When your spouse was working, you stayed home and watched your special needs child or vice versa. But now that you’re getting divorced, you know you may need to give up your full-time job or put some of your career goals on hold to care for your child. If you get child support, alimony or both, it could relieve some of the burden.

You May Have to Modify Your New Home

The home you shared with your spouse might have had special equipment that helped your special needs child function from day to day. However, you’ve since moved out, and you have to look for a home that is accessible for your child. You might have to install the equipment all over again, which can be time-consuming and costly.

You Might Need to Find a New School

If you moved out of the home you shared with your spouse, you may be in a different school district now. This means you’ll have to find a new school for your child, which could confuse them and take some time for them to get used to. During this adjustment period, you may need to pay extra attention to them so they receive the emotional support needed when making this transition.

You May Need to Find New Help

If you and your spouse hired nannies, nurses and other specialists to help with your special needs child, you might need to hire new support staff. This could take awhile, as everyone knows it can be difficult to find good help.

Your Child Will Need You More Than Ever

Divorce is tough on everyone. You and your ex are likely going through a rollercoaster of emotions and coping with the end of your marriage. Divorce is especially hard on kids, and it can be even more challenging for kids with special needs, who may not know how to process what’s going on.

Your child will need you more than ever before, which isn’t easy when you’re trying to come to terms with your situation yourself. By seeking advice from specialists, however, you can get through this emotionally draining time and come out stronger on the other side.

Finding a Family Law Attorney Who Can Help

An experienced family law attorney will know what it’s like to go through a divorce with special needs children, and they can offer guidance on the best way to navigate both the legal and emotional issues. They can assist you in getting the child support you need to care for your children as well as navigate child custody issues, which are notoriously arduous.

The most important thing right now is that you feel supported in your divorce process, because if you are calm and centered, you are going to provide the strength and support your child needs right now.

Contact The Mark Nowell Law Firm in South Carolina

If you are a divorcee with special needs children in South Carolina and you are looking for representation, family law attorney Mark Nowell is here to help. Contact our office today to schedule a personalized consultation.