Child Support and the Special Needs Child: Insights from a Dedicated Advocate
Navigating the complexities of child support for special needs children requires not only a deep understanding of the law but also a heartfelt dedication to advocating for these children’s rights and well-being. Veronica L. Robinson, Esq., with her 28 years of legal experience and personal insight as a parent of a child with special needs, embodies this dual expertise. As the co-founder of the African-American Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities and the owner of the Law Offices of E.F. Robinson, her professional and personal journeys provide invaluable perspectives for families navigating these challenges.
The Unique Legal Landscape
Veronica’s legal practice focuses on assisting parents of special needs children through divorce proceedings, ensuring that child support agreements adequately reflect the extraordinary expenses involved in raising these children. Her approach is informed by her extensive background, including her role as a NITA trial instructor and her involvement in significant class action lawsuits related to foster children’s rights.
A Mother’s Perspective
Veronica’s personal experience as a mother of two adults, including a 24-year-old son who has thrived despite his challenges and his 20 year old supportive sibling who rightfully demands his own attention, enriches her professional advocacy. Her son’s success as a waiver support coordinator, photographer, videographer, and teacher is a testament to the potential of individuals with disabilities when given the right support. Just as admirably is her younger son’s “sibling’s sensitivity to all people with differences and his intense advocacy for their recognition and respect. This personal connection to disability advocacy fuels her commitment to her clients.
Financial and Care Considerations
From a financial perspective, Veronica emphasizes the importance of considering long-term needs, such as ongoing medical care, specialized education, and necessary equipment, which can extend well beyond the age of majority. She advocates for support structures that contemplate these needs indefinitely, often recommending trusts or other financial planning tools to ensure continuity of care without endangering eligibility for essential benefits like Medicaid or SSI.
Community Engagement and Recognition
Veronica’s contributions to the community and her field have not gone unnoticed. Her accolades include the American Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Lawyers of Distinction award in 2023, a nomination for the Dorothy I Height Social Justice Award. These honors reflect her profound impact on both the legal community and the lives of countless families dealing with the complexities of raising special needs children.
Finally, with the help of her team, this month, Veronica has released the long awaited, “Black People Have Autism Too: A Legal Guide to Advocacy for African American Families.”
Conclusion
For parents facing the daunting task of securing adequate child support for a special needs child, Veronica L. Robinson’s dual lens as a seasoned attorney and a devoted parent provides both hope and a roadmap. Her dedication to legal excellence and her deep personal connection to her work make her a pivotal figure in the fight for the rights and well-being of special needs children. By drawing on her vast experience and personal insights, families can navigate the challenging waters of family law with a knowledgeable and compassionate guide at their side.
