What unique considerations should I be aware of when navigating divorce with a special needs or high-needs child?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
Divorcing with a special or high-needs child requires additional planning and sensitivity. Ensuring their emotional and physical well-being is prioritized while navigating legal and financial complexities can be challenging—but with the right strategies, you can create a stable, supportive environment for them.
What if my ex doesn’t follow the custody agreement?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
If your ex is not following the terms of your court-ordered custody agreement, it’s considered a violation of a court order—and you have options to enforce it. Here’s what you can do:
Can my ex take the kids without my permission?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
Whether your ex can take your kids without your permission depends heavily on your custody agreement and the legal status of your divorce. Here’s what you need to know:
What are my rights regarding custody and visitation?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
When it comes to custody and visitation during and after a divorce, both parents have certain rights that are protected by law. Understanding these rights can help you navigate the process confidently and protect your relationship with your child.
Does my child get a say in who they live with or how often they see each parent?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
The short answer is: it depends on the child's age, maturity, and the state you live in. Here's how it generally works:
What if we can't agree on a parenting plan?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
If you and your ex can’t agree on a parenting plan, there are structured steps to follow to reach a resolution:
Who determines what your joint physical custody agreement looks like?
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Your joint physical custody agreement is typically determined through a combination of:
Can custody agreements be modified?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
Yes, custody agreements can be modified, but there are specific conditions and steps required to do so.
What happens if my ex-spouse doesn’t pay child support?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
If your ex-spouse doesn’t pay child support, there are multiple steps and legal measures available to enforce the payments. Here’s a breakdown of what happens and what you can do:
Can I relocate with my children after divorce?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
Whether you can relocate with your children after divorce depends on several factors, primarily your custody arrangement and the laws in your state. Here’s what you need to know:
If we have joint custody does that mean my ex doesn't have to pay child support?
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No, joint custody does not automatically mean your ex is exempt from paying child support.
Can I have joint legal custody but sole physical custody of my kids?
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When you have joint legal custody, both parents must collaborate on major decisions involving your child's upbringing, including education, health care, and religion. Disagreements are common, but there are structured ways to handle them:
How do my ex and I decide on disagreements if we have joint legal custody?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
When you have joint legal custody, both parents must collaborate on major decisions involving your child's upbringing, including education, health care, and religion. Disagreements are common, but there are structured ways to handle them:
Is it possible to have joint physical custody, but maintain sole legal custody of my kids?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
Joint Custody is a legal arrangement in which both parents share responsibility for the care and decision-making of their child(ren) after a separation or divorce. It is designed to ensure that the child maintains strong relationships with both parents.
What is Joint Custody?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
Joint Custody is a legal arrangement in which both parents share responsibility for the care and decision-making of their child(ren) after a separation or divorce. It is designed to ensure that the child maintains strong relationships with both parents.
How is child custody determined?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
Child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child, which is the primary standard used by family courts across the United States. The goal is to ensure the child’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being is prioritized.
What if my ex says they're going to take full custody? Do they just get to?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
No, your ex cannot simply decide to take full custody without going through the proper legal process. Custody decisions are made either through mutual agreement or by a court order based on the best interests of the child—not just one parent's wishes.