Not every marriage between a Texas couple lasts forever. When a divorce is on the horizon, parents must get on the same page about their children’s welfare. Understanding how to co-parent a special needs child is challenging but easier when you know what to do.
Maintaining a familiar schedule
Most parents are familiar with schedules while raising children. Taking care of a special needs child sometimes requires stricter and more intensive daily regimens. These schedules can become a source of comfort for children, especially while dealing with divorce-related stress. As you and a former spouse begin co-parenting, try to minimize unwanted schedule-related surprises for your child.
Your child’s medical needs
Some disabilities require children to have heavy, fragile or bulky medical equipment in their homes. Whether it’s a heavy electric wheelchair or a monitoring device, moving these types of equipment isn’t always easy or even possible. If that’s the case, your co-parenting plan might require a noncustodial parent to visit rather than take their child outside the home.
Making decisions together
An aspect of parental rights and responsibilities involves making decisions on your child’s behalf. Besides day-to-day decisions, co-parenting can also require making complex decisions regarding education and healthcare-related matters. It’s also beneficial to have an emergency care plan in place for a special needs child on which both parents can agree and follow.
Parenting a child with special needs is a rewarding experience. As you think about your child’s future, also consider their long-term care plans. You and your ex-spouse should discuss who will care for your children if you both pass away. Some parents in this situation create a trust that financially protects their special needs children.