Navigating the legal and practical consequences of a dissolution can be challenging for any family, but it can be a particularly complex undertaking for parents of special needs children. If you are the parent of a special needs child, you likely already suspect that the well-being and stability of your child during this transition is going to require careful planning and hyper-focus on their unique needs. Thankfully, with focused effort and meaningful support, you will be in a strong position to meet your dissolution-related goals.
Dissolution in Ohio is a no-fault process wherein spouses agree on all terms of their marital split, including custody, child support and property division. This amicable approach can be less stressful and more beneficial for families with special needs children.
Working through the process
Your primary concerns regarding dissolution likely center on financial issues and facilitating your child’s best interests. As such, you and your spouse will need to carefully consider how this life transition may impact their medical, educational and emotional needs. Once you’ve come to a consensus about how you’re going to approach co-parenting moving forward, you’ll need to create a detailed parenting plan that addresses:
Custody and parenting time arrangements: Consider the child’s routine, therapy schedules and proximity to medical providers. Consistency and stability are going to be important.
Medical care: Outline responsibilities for medical appointments, treatments and emergency care. Ensure that both you and your spouse have continued access to medical records and communication with healthcare providers.
Educational needs: Include provisions concerning how school transportation, attendance at IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings and other educational support services will be handled post-dissolution.
Effective co-parenting is going to be very important as you start co-parenting your special needs child. Consider utilizing tools like shared calendars, communication apps and regular meetings to coordinate care and share information. You can even work expectations about communication into the terms of your parenting plan.
Pursuing dissolution as the parent of a special needs child in Ohio requires careful planning, cooperation and a focus on your child’s unique needs. Navigating this process isn’t always easy, so it’s important to remember that you can seek personalized legal guidance at any time. The post Pursuing dissolution as the parent of a special needs child first appeared on Baker and Wick, Attorneys at Law.
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