Child Custody And Support For Special Needs Children Attorney In Bloomfield Hills
Last updated on March 23, 2026
The standard approach to custody and support may not adequately address your circumstances if you have a child with special needs. You need experienced legal guidance to protect your child’s future.
Lisa D. Stern has handled complex custody cases in Bloomfield Hills and the greater metropolitan Detroit area for her Michigan clients for more than 30 years. She can offer support with every aspect of your case, from addressing extraordinary medical expenses to creating a parenting plan that prioritizes the best interests of a special needs child.
How Is Special Needs Child Custody Different?
A special needs parenting plan requires more detail than a standard plan. Structure and predictability are essential for children with special needs, and you and your co-parent may need to make arrangements to help your child remain in the same home and school district.
When addressing decision-making authority, you may need to arrange for one parent to have final authority on certain matters to ensure prompt medical care and appropriate educational support. If your child has an individualized education plan (IEP), you may need to address that and its custody implications. You may also need to have clear provisions regarding child care and the day-to-day support needs of your child in the parenting plan.
The Challenges Of Special Needs Child Support
The standard child support formula may not fully address your child’s financial needs. Your child may have unusually high medical expenses and child care costs. Your support order may need to address Section 5b expenses, which can be a challenge. You may also need to address the need for child support beyond the age of 18. Lisa D. Stern can assist with calculating support needs and negotiating or litigating for an appropriate order.
Supporting Special Needs Children And Their Parents
Attorney Lisa D. Stern can help you create a parenting plan that prioritizes your child’s needs and a support order that reflects the costs of caring for them. You can schedule an initial consultation to discuss your Bloomfield Hills case with her by calling 248-973-7842 or clicking here.