Child Custody for Children with Special Needs in Ramsey

Getting divorced, under any circumstances, is hard, and one of the hardest issues to address is Child Custody and Parenting Time— which physical address do the kids live at? How much time does the non-custodial parent spend with the kids? Is custody joint or sole?

Once you factor in the considerations of special needs kids, everything gets even harder. What about accommodations for caregivers, doctor’s appointments, school Individualized Education Plans (I.E.P.s)? How can you possibly navigate the thorny issue of child custody with special needs kids in Ramsey?

That’s when a Child Custody Attorney comes into the picture.

Ramsey is a unique and beautiful town, and a wonderful place to raise a family (the parks, the schools— the safety). Of course no one plans on getting divorced, and children with special needs make it harder, but O’Cathain Law Group Family Law Department is ready to guide you, listen to you, and fight for you. We’re here to help you Move Forward with the child custody arrangement that’s right for you— and your family.

Francesca O’Cathain, Esq., who heads our Family Law Department, and currently serves as President of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is known throughout the Garden State as one of the leading divorce lawyers in matters that involve children with special needs— in fact, she lectures on it frequently. If you need help dealing with child custody for children with special needs, schedule a consultation with her today by calling (848) 356 – 4405.

Child Custody Issues To Think About Prior To Your Consultation

• Do you want the physical custody to be joint, as in split 50/50, or do you prefer it to be sole, as in the child resides solely in one physical space? Children with special needs may, though not always, do better in one physical space that is outfitted to their specific needs.
• Do you want the legal custody to be joint, or sole? Legal custody grants parents the rights to make decisions regarding the child’s interests, including education, religious upbringing, medical treatment, and general well-being. Obviously with a special needs child this can be even more involved.
• If the physical custody is not joint, how much parenting time will the non-custodial parent be granted?
• What unique child custody considerations are necessary to accommodate the caregivers of children with special needs?
• If there are other children in the family, how do the custody arrangements impact them?

It can be overwhelming to consider all this, but: you are not alone. This is not your fault. Divorce happens— New Jersey’s divorce rate is roughly 5 out of 1,000 marriages, according to U.S. News & World Report. Factor in a special needs kid, and that statistic ticks up.

But you are not a statistic: you are a harried parent, doing the best you can, and we see you. We can help you get to a better place in your life— in your special needs kid’s life, in your family’s life— by addressing the issue of child custody and helping you Move Forward. Don’t handle it alone— reach out today.