Divorce is difficult a difficult enough process.  When a special needs child is involved, the process is even more complex and difficult.  Unfortunately, one in every 26 American families report raising children with disabilities.  Some of the issues that need to be discussed and adequately planned for in a NJ divorce involving a special needs child are as follows:

• What will happen when my child is an adult?
• Will college be an available option?
• Who is going to care for the child when the parents are no longer living?
• What impact will it have on the primary care giver to care for the special needs child? Typically caregivers are likely to spend in excess of 50 hours a week providing care for a special needs child.  Obviously, this will affect their ability to earn income and adequately prepare for their own retirement.

In addition to the above, the child support guidelines are not designed to meet the needs of the special needs child.  Child support guidelines do not take into account the many extraordinary expenses that a special needs child would require, such as specialized treatments, specialized schooling, etc. 

In the event you reside in Brick Township, Jackson, Freehold, Howell, or any other municipality in Monmouth or Ocean County, New Jersey and you are facing the difficult prospects of a divorce with a special needs child, please call the experienced divorce attorneys at Villani & DeLuca to arrange for your initial free consultation.  Partner Vincent C. DeLuca is a certified matrimonial law attorney who has handled numerous cases involving special needs children. Call 732-965-3404 today.