All Family Law, All Around Georgia, All Around the WorldSM

When Your Child Has Special Needs

When a Georgia divorce or separation involves children with special needs, child custody and child support can become significantly more complex.

At The Manely Firm, P.C., we have been successfully assisting clients with their divorce and custody issues for three decades. We understand that children with special needs require compassionate understanding when it comes to parenting plans and timesharing (custody).

Special Considerations For Special Children

Because children with special needs have requirements that may be different from or more complex than those of other children, both parties must be thoughtful in considering these. When considering parenting plans for a special needs child, parents should consider:

  • Each parent’s ability to provide the care the child requires. This includes any additional medical or health care needs the child has.
  • Each parent’s home environment and accessibility. This includes whether the child requires special access or accommodations.
  • Each parent’s physical home environment. Consider how the child might respond to any sort of change in their home, school or community environment. This is especially important for children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • Each parent’s physical proximity to the child’s medical care providers.

One important factor to also consider is each parent’s ability to communicate with the other. Special needs children require the support of both parents to ensure that they receive the quality care and services they need to thrive. This is perhaps never more important than in the time directly following a divorce or separation. An attorney who is experienced and skilled in Georgia family law matters can assess your situation and offer experienced guidance.

Child Support And Special Needs Children

Children who have special needs may also require more equipment, care and services than other children. It’s important to work with an attorney who can anticipate these complex needs so that custody and support issues meet them. Georgia guidelines on child support typically don’t address these matters.

Work With An Attorney Who Understands What Special Needs Children Need

At The Manely Firm, P.C., we have extensive experience helping parents and their children create parenting and timesharing plans that take into consideration the unique necessities of special needs children. We will work with you to structure the type of plan that accounts for your child’s needs and your ability to provide. Call 866-687-8561 and set up a time to talk about your situation. We offer a consultation. Serving Marietta and the extended Atlanta area. You can also reach the firm via website email.