Family Law, with neurodiversity in mind
As an Associate Solicitor in the family department, I understand what a difficult decision it is to decide to legally end your marriage or to leave your relationship. Even in the most straightforward circumstances where both parties wish to separate, everyone has a unique set of challenges. I am seeing an increasing number of situations where there are children either diagnosed with neurodivergent conditions, or undergoing the assessment process.
As a mother of two neurodivergent children, one with autism and one with ADHD (who is also currently being assessed for autism), I know that the smallest change to daily routine, for example like taking a different route to school, can be a big deal. Not only is it anxiety inducing for our children, but it can also be anxiety inducing for us as parents, not knowing if we are going to be met with emotional dysregulation and whatever reaction that may prompt. A huge life change such as a divorce/separation can seem like an unthinkable change to our child’s routine and an impossible step to decide to take. A life changing step like this, needs the correct support and understanding to make it a little more manageable.
In addition to discussing the separation/divorce itself, there are also the finances to consider and the contact arrangements for the children. I can advise you on all of this.
Many older separating couples state that they would have left the marriage/relationship sooner, but they stayed in an unhappy situation for their children. This feeling is understandably exaggerated when a child has additional needs, who struggles with transitions and a change in routine.
Whether it is because autism is now more prevalent, or whether it is no more prevalent but there is now a greater awareness so it is more widely diagnosed, I am seeing more and more clients who have neurodivergent children. I am happy to share with my clients that I too have neurodivergent children and so I understand my client’s concerns based around their children’s additional needs.
I take great pride in being able to not only advise my clients on the legalities of their case, but I am also able to support them emotionally as I understand their concerns and sign post them to various organisations for support (that I have often used myself).
If you are the parent of a neurodivergent child and you are looking for a family law solicitor who understands your concerns regarding your neurodivergent child, please do not hesitate to send me an email or call me at the office.
