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How Special Needs Impact a Marriage
If you have a child with special needs, you are more likely to get divorced. This is not exactly shocking because there is a lot of conflict that can happen in these households. Any type of special needs can create stress on a marriage. This includes learning disabilities, mobility issues, or children who need many surgeries.
The Challenge of Arizona Law
Co-parenting after a divorce is very hard when your child has special needs. While Arizona child custody law usually assumes parents will have joint legal decision making, this means that major choices about medical care and school must be made together.
For most families, this is not a big deal because major decisions do not happen often. But for kids with special needs, decisions about medication and school happen far more often. These choices can be very intense and difficult to agree on.
A Personal Story About ADHD
In my own family, two of my boys were diagnosed with ADHD. This condition can affect every part of a child’s life. It impacts how they act with friends, how they do in school, and how they function every day.
With our oldest son, we co-parented well. We made decisions together and he is doing great as a freshman. However, things were different with our younger son. He was diagnosed after our separation. He struggled in kindergarten and had a hard time learning. I wanted to help him with things like supplements and medication, but his father was completely opposed to it.
When a parent stops the other from getting a child the help they need, it can feel like a battle. It is important to know that custodial interference can backfire on the parent who is being difficult. Because we had to agree, everything took much longer than it would have for an intact family.
Planning for the Future
In cases with special needs, having the final say in legal decision-making is very important. However, it can be hard to get a judge to understand this. You might even work with a parenting coordinator who does not understand because they do not have special needs children of their own.
When you are writing your parenting plans, you need a real strategy for how you will talk and how you will make choices. You also have to let go of the things you cannot control. Even with new constraints after a divorce, you can still be a great advocate for your child with dedication and patience.
Finding Financial Support in Arizona
Raising a child with special needs can be expensive. When you live in two different homes, those costs can feel even heavier. In Arizona, you can apply for help through the Division of Developmental Disabilities, which is also called the DDD.
They can help with the costs of therapy and home care. You should also check if your child can get ALTCS. This is a special part of Arizona Medicaid for people with long term care needs. When you calculate the amount for child support, make sure it includes these extra costs so your child always has what they need.
Thinking About Your Child as an Adult
Many parents forget to plan for what happens when their child turns 18. In the eyes of the law, an 18 year old is an adult. If your child still needs help making big decisions, you may need to file for Guardianship.
Arizona also has something called Supported Decision Making. This is a way to help your adult child make their own choices with your support. It is much less strict than guardianship. Thinking about these choices is just as important as knowing how pets are handled during divorce, because every member of your family needs a plan that works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. In Arizona, an IEP is a major educational decision. Both parents usually need to agree to the plan unless the court has given one parent the final authority.
Yes. In cases where a child has special needs, having one parent in charge of final decisions can be very helpful. It is hard to get, but it can stop delays in your child’s care.
You should keep a record of these events. If a parent ignores a doctor’s orders, it could be a reason to ask the court to change the rules. You may need a legal expert to help you update your paperwork to protect your child.
If you have questions about parenting issues and special needs, please contact Modern Law. We want to help you create a plan that works for your child’s unique life.
