Plans for Children with Special Needs

NEW YORK CITY FAMILY LAWYER

Children with special needs require special care to help them live happy, productive, and fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, this special care is often costly. Many families must make financial changes to give their child the support he or she needs. At The Law Offices of Andrew J. Spinnell, our attorneys represent the parents of children with special needs to negotiate divorce terms that ensure the children are properly provided for. We also represent parents seeking modification of existing child custody and child support orders, so that child support payments will cover their child’s needs.

We represent families of children with many different types of special needs:

  • Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Wheat allergies that require a gluten-free diet
  • Autism
  • Deafness/hearing loss
  • Learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
  • Visual impairments

In New York State, child support is determined by certain statutory child support guidelines. The amount to be paid or received is set in accordance with these guidelines. There are certain exceptions, however. If your child has special needs, judges may consider the cost of special care when determining the child support amount.

To ensure the court’s child support order will guarantee your child’s right to receive the support she or he needs, it is critical that the court fully understands the nature and scope of your child’s special needs. At the Law Offices of Andrew J. Spinnell, our lawyers are experienced at making clear, compelling arguments in favor of child support orders that deviate from the guidelines because of a child’s special needs. Contact a New York City family law attorney from our legal team for a free consultation to discuss your case.