• Home
• Legal Information
• Divorce
• What does my divorce lawyer need to know about my children?

What does my divorce lawyer need to know about my children?

If your children have any special needs, spill the beans right away. It makes a difference in finances, time-sharing, and estate planning. If you have one child with special needs and others who do not, different plans are likely appropriate.

• Finances. A special needs child may be financially dependent for a lifetime. This means that marital property settlements, child support, medical insurance, and life insurance plans must take special needs into consideration. Following state child support guidelines is likely insufficient.

• Timesharing. If your special needs child doesn't do well with change or needs specialized medical equipment, typical timesharing agreements won't be in his or her best interests.

• Estate Planning. Be sure to meet with an estate planning attorney when going through the divorce process. Divorce itself usually dictates a change in the estate plan and if you want a say in how your children are raised and supported, you absolutely need to document your wishes.

More articles about Divorce

Browse Divorce attorneys