What Happens if the Custodial Parent Gets Sick?

 Posted on May 24, 2019 in Family Law

Severe injuries and serious illnesses are an unfortunate reality of life that many families must deal with. After all, the lifetime risk of developing cancer is one in there. The odds of dying in a car crash are one in 114, meaning that the odds of being seriously injured in a traffic collision are much greater than that. Hospitalization or a serious, chronic injury or illness may limit a custodial parent’s ability to care for their child. Or, the injury or illness may simply be used against them by the noncustodial parent as a means to receive custody. Whether you are the custodial or noncustodial parent, an attorney can represent your and your child’s best interests.

Difficulties a Sick or Injured Parent May Face While Caring for Their Child

Being a single custodial parent is tough enough as it is. Add to that the complications of being sick or injured, a lengthy hospital stay, and potentially an inability to work, and the outcome can be disastrous. The following are a few examples of hurdles that a hospitalized custodial parent may have to navigate in order to care for their child:

• Financial Difficulties With Medical Bills: Even parents with insurance are at risk of going bankrupt after a serious illness. A sick or injured parent can petition the court for an alimony or child support modification in the event of a serious injury or illness, however. This added financial boost, if it is awarded, can help cover the gap.
• Taking Time Off Work: Missing work only adds to the financial stress of the situation.
• Physical Limitations to Care for The Child: Due to a compromised immune system due to cancer, a broken hip (for example), or general loss of immobility and strength, a custodial parent may not have the physical strength necessary to drive their child to appointments, pick up their toddler, or feed and clothe their child.
• Medical Appointments: Frequent doctor’s visits, dialysis, radiation therapy or chemotherapy treatments, and other medical appointments may get in the way of the custodial parent’s normal schedule.

Call a Hinsdale Child Custody Attorney Today

As a noncustodial parent, you have the option of filing an emergency transfer of custody if the custodial parent suddenly falls sick or injured. As a custodial parent, you may have to fight to hold onto your current custodial rights. The skilled DuPage County child custody attorneys at the Law Offices of Martoccio & Martoccio can help. Call us at 630-920-8855 today to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/21/upshot/getting-sick-is-really-expensive.html

https://www.nsc.org/work-safety/tools-resources/injury-facts/chart

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-basics/lifetime-probability-of-developing-or-dying-from-cancer.html