Divorce can be problematic for any child, but it can be particularly so for special needs kids. Children — especially those with unique qualities — need consistency and routines in their daily lives.
For some children, joint custody may not be ideal because they cannot successfully adapt to having to travel back and forth between two parents’ homes and adjust to various patterns and schedules. In such instances, parents may want to consider sole or a more modified joint custody scenario. A child may need to spend extended periods throughout the year in each parent’s home if they have special needs rather than traveling back and forth throughout the week.
If you’re facing a divorce and have a special needs child, then you’re going to have to reexamine your work schedule and other outside commitments. You’ll need to determine whether they allow you to give your child the full care and attention that they need now that you do not have consistent support from their other parent. The extent of your child’s needs will likely influence many future decisions that you make.
Courts always look at what’s in the best interest of the child. You should do so as well. While you might want to spend as much time as possible with your special needs child, that might not be ideal based upon their distinctive demands and requirements. If you want your child to have the best possible outcome post-divorce, then you might have to make some sacrifices.
If you are going through a divorce and have a special needs child, then you may have to consider some additional factors that aren’t typical in a standard Florida child custody arrangement. A child custody attorney here in Fort Myers can highlight what these factors are and help you broker a deal with your ex that is in the best interest of your child.
