Divorce changes every part of family life, but for parents of a child with special needs, the transition carries an added layer of considerations. Standard parenting plans and support orders are rarely enough; you need a plan that considers the day-to-day realities of caregiving and the long-term care your child will need well into adulthood.
At The Foray Hurst Firm, our Joliet, IL divorce attorneys work closely with parents navigating divorce and disability. Our mission has always been to help all families preserve dignity, stability, and peace through even the most difficult transitions. Below are five essential considerations to keep in mind if you are divorcing with a special needs child in Illinois.
Standard Parenting Time May Not Fit Your Child’s Needs
In Illinois, parenting time and decision-making responsibilities are determined based on the best interests of the child. For children with special needs, this often means rethinking what “best interest” really looks like in practice.