Special Needs Children

Special Needs Children

Special needs children frequently require a much higher and more specialized level of care and support than other children. The state oversees the care of these children, and there are specific requirements that must be met for a parent to be designated as a caregiver. When the parents of a special needs child get a divorce, custody and other issues can be much more difficult.

These can become very complex cases, and it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. At the Vern D. Richards Law Office in Frisco, Texas, I represent clients in a variety of cases involving special needs children. I work diligently to reach a favorable outcome that serves the best interests of the child and protects the parents’ rights.

Strong Representation on Your Side

When there are disputes over which parent is better suited to care for a special needs child, an ad litem is assigned to review the case and make a determination as to which parent should retain primary custody. The non-custodial parent will need to meet certain requirements to be allowed to keep the child for overnights on visitation weekends. I will make the strongest possible argument in support of your ability to care for your children.

We also handle cases involving special needs adults where elderly parents who care for their children are no longer able to do so. As your attorney, I can help make arrangements for Medicare and Medicaid, locating another family member to act as caregiver or finding a group home if another caregiver is not available. In addition, if the child is in line for an inheritance upon his or her parent’s death, I can help to protect eligibility for federal benefits.

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Frisco Child Custody

Child Custody

The court’s primary concern in any custody proceeding is to see that the child’s best interests are served. These tend to be some of the most strenuously contested parts of a divorce proceeding. Both parents have rights in these cases, and it is important to have strong representation from an attorney who will fight to protect them.

Texas Visitation Attorney

There is much at stake in child custody matters, and having the right family law attorney on your side can go a long way toward ensuring that you continue to have a meaningful part in your children’s lives after the divorce has been finalized.

Working to Protect Your Parental Rights

In the majority of cases, the court awards custody to one parent and visitation to the other. The visitation schedule, as well as each parent’s decision-making authority, is covered by the custody order that will be issued by the court as part of the divorce agreement. The custody also covers custody arrangements for holidays, summer vacations and other considerations.

With every child custody case I take, my primary concern is for the welfare of the children. I also understand how a custody order can impact the relationship you have with your children. I will work diligently to see that your parental rights are thoroughly considered and do everything I can to ensure a meaningful, fulfilling relationship going forward.

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Adoption Law

Adoption LawMany children in this world need a home, and there are families everywhere who would be absolutely thrilled to provide a child with a place they can call theirs. There are many different roads that lead to adoption, but one thing is certain – the decision to adopt is just one part of the process. The steps in between can be a nightmare if you do not have someone with experience by your side to help guide you through the process.

There are many legal aspects to adoption that many people don’t automatically think about. They are surprised that halfway through the adoption process, there is still more that must be done. The legal procedures surrounding adoption can be overwhelming for parents-to-be to handle on their own. I have had many years of experience assisting families just like you with adoption, and can bring my skills, resources and expertise to your case. I can assist you with all of the legal aspects surrounding the process.

My goal with adoption cases is to help guide parents through the process from beginning to end, freeing up much of the time they would have spent navigating through complicated forms and red tape to plan for the new addition to their family.

If you’re considering adoption or are currently going through the adoption process, call me for a consultation today.

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