March marks Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to promote understanding and inclusion for individuals living with developmental disabilities. While much of the conversation focuses on education, employment, and community support, it’s equally important to highlight how developmental disabilities intersect with family law matters, including divorce, custody, and child support.
At Wolf & Shore Law Group, we recognize that navigating a divorce or custody case is already challenging, but when a child or spouse has a developmental disability, the legal issues become even more complex — and require an attorney who understands these nuances.
Why Is Awareness of Developmental Disabilities Important in Divorce Cases?
Divorcing spouses with a child (or children) who have developmental disabilities face unique considerations that go far beyond a standard parenting plan. Some of these concerns include:
- Specialized medical and therapeutic care
- Educational needs, including IEP (Individualized Education Plan) considerations
- Long-term care planning and guardianship issues
- Appropriate visitation and parenting schedules that take into account the child’s specific needs
Having an attorney who understands these issues ensures that custody arrangements and child support agreements properly reflect the child’s long-term needs and best interests.
Child Support for Children with Developmental Disabilities in Connecticut
In Connecticut, child support typically ends when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school (whichever is later). However, if a child has a significant mental or physical disability that existed before reaching the age of majority, child support may be extended up to age 21 under Connecticut law (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-84(c)).
This is a crucial point for divorcing parents of children with developmental disabilities — financial support may need to be structured for a longer period to ensure that the child’s needs continue to be met into young adulthood. Additionally, there may be circumstances that require supplemental agreements, including but not necessarily limited to trusts or other financial arrangements, to safeguard the child’s future.
Why You Need a Family Law Attorney Familiar with Developmental Disabilities
Not all family law attorneys are familiar with the intricacies of cases involving developmental disabilities. When a child has specialized needs, you want an attorney who will not only address all the concerns mentioned within this article, but also someone who is able to truly counsel and advise their client as to potential options. This also includes a willingness to speak with the child(ren)’s professionals and possibly appoint a Guardian ad Litem so that the minor child(ren)’s best interests can be addressed.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a reminder that every family is unique, and family law solutions must be tailored accordingly. If you are facing a divorce or custody dispute involving a family member with developmental disabilities, don’t navigate it alone. Work with a team that understands the law — and cares about your family’s future.
If you have questions about how developmental disabilities might affect your divorce, custody, or support case, contact Wolf & Shore Law Group today for a confidential consultation. Because your family deserves thoughtful, informed representation. Ever Argue with a Woman? Contact us at 203.745.3151 or info@wolfandshorelaw.com.