HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW IN MN
My Personal Take as a Family Law Firm Employee
I’m no expert except through personal experience and what I know from what our office attorney tells me.
But I do have two adult children,living nearby here in MN, who shall remain nameless, who have not only been EXASPERATING! At times — through no fault of their own — but who have also taught me so very much about me, them, and yes the nature of the universe. I’ll try to keep a bit more focused on family law and special needs though. I tend to be obsessive compulsive myself, not to mention ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder), so here goes…..
Parents, Family Law, and Special Needs Children
One thing that concerns me recently is that sometimes, during a divorce and its attendant issues of child custody, alimony and child support – during this stressful time one parent may take the position that “there is nothing wrong with my son!” “I’m not putting my daughter on drugs” etc. Sometimes a parent, even though with the best intentions, will refuse to allow their child to be tested for any handicap. This can hurt the child since there are many times when properly identifying a child’s special needs is a step towards making the adaptations at home, school, socially, on trips, etc. – adaptations that can help the child mature, find work-arounds for their condition, and to reduce stress levels for all concerned.
Child Custody and Handicapped Children
The above can be especially troublesome if legal custody is split between the parents. It can make difficult or impossible the obtaining of signatures need for IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) and ISP (Individualized Service Plan) paperwork signed and the plans for the children drawn up by his or her caregivers and used in the child’s best interest.
What You Can Do For Your Special Needs Child
You can enjoy them.
You can move to a state with better services for them. Minnesota is better than many, for instance.
You can avoid totally sacrificing yourself for their sake.
You can be their best, strongest and most consistent advocate in all important matters.
You can make sure you have some “Me” time for yourself.
In your divorce or other crises, you can bargain away things less important for things more important.
You can do your best to make sure that the agreements you make — your divorce, child custody, child support, last will and testament, and so on; reflect your child’s needs, your needs, and those others whom you also love.
Thomas Moore
Office Manager
www.moorefamilylawMN.com
