Special Needs Children Cases in Brooklyn
Tough Advocacy from Seasoned Family Law Attorneys
As the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, learning
disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other
conditions increases, so does the complexity of divorce and custody cases
that involve these children. At Coffinas & Lusthaus, P.C., we appreciate
the concerns of parents
seeking divorce or legal separation while caring for children with special needs. Our
knowledgeable attorneys understand how these disorders affect a child
and impact the entire family. With over 45 combined years of family law
practice, we know that your
child custody and support case is urgent and unique, and we’re prepared to help.
Preferential Options for the Primary Caregiver
In families with a special needs child, one parent usually takes the lead
in learning about the condition and advocating for the child with healthcare
providers, therapists, and the board of education. This parent is often
especially protective of the child and uniquely adept at understanding
and managing the child’s needs.
At Coffinas & Lusthaus, P.C., our
Brooklyn family law attorneys help these primary caregivers to continue to nurture their child’s
development and maintain their stability in the midst of the family chaos.
We can help you obtain:
- Full physical custody
- Full legal custody
- Decision-making authority over your special needs child’s medical
care, education, and therapy
-
Additional
child support for your child’s special expenses
Ensuring your right to make educational & medical decisions!
A divorce between parents who have a special needs child is especially
difficult and merits considerable attention. Children with special needs
typically require costly therapy services not provided by their school
districts. Consequently, parents have enormous out-of-network medical
expenses and educational expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring,
and evaluations, all of which create possible contention and disagreement.
When parents disagree over the choice of therapy, the type of medical
care, and the appropriate school, the stakes become that much higher.
Our experienced family law attorneys can work to help secure your right
to make these decisions for your child and receive appropriate support
to pay for the care and services your child needs.
Unsure about how to maintain stability for your special needs child?
Whether your child has been diagnosed with ASD, a learning disability,
NVLD, ADHD, has an IEP or a 504 Plan, attends a public school, a NYS approved
(funded) special education school, or a private (non-funded) special education
school, we can help. Our compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys at
Coffinas & Lusthaus, P.C. can negotiate or litigate your matter while
maintaining stability for your child including, but not limited to the
following:
-
Physical custody — The question of whether a child will live at a single residence
or split time between two households can be especially challenging when
that child has special needs. We understand the need for stability. The
addition of siblings further complicates the picture. Our firm seeks to
establish an agreeable long-term plan that provides stability for your
child and serves his or her best interests.
-
Legal custody — Parents may have widely differing opinions about what’s best
for their special needs child. Coffinas & Lusthaus, P.C. has found
the typical approach to legal custody inadequate and has been on the forefront
of advocacy for customized parenting plans tailored to a family’s
unique needs.
-
Child support — We understand that while the financial responsibilities in caring
for a special needs child are enormous, your child deserves the very best.
We represent your interests in seeking child support add-ons to cover
out-of-pocket costs for unilateral placement in a special school, therapy
not covered by the board of education or early intervention, child care,
non-reimbursed, and out-of-network medical expenses, over-the-counter
supplements, and alternative treatments.
Our Divorce Attorneys Find Plans to Meet Your Child’s Special Needs
Coffinas & Lusthaus, P.C. has the experience, sensitivity, and determination
to address the special needs of your children in your divorce, custody,
or support proceedings. We intentionally limit our cases so we can deliver
the highest level of personalized representation. If you are in the five
boroughs of New York City or in Nassau or Westchester counties, call (718) 717-1005!
Contact our family lawyers in Brooklyn at once.