When parents disagree on medical care for their children it can be a problem. After a breakup, the shared responsibility for the care of their children continues. Ideally, parents can agree amicably on how the children are raised including decisions about medical care.
When parents find themselves unable to agree on certain medical decisions for their children, it can create a challenging and emotionally charged situation. In today’s blog, we are going to discuss three areas of contention that often arise: vaccinations, choice of doctors, and mental health care which are particularly sensitive. Decisions directly affect the well-being and long-term health of the child.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations for children have not always been a topic of debate but in recent years it has become a misunderstood hot topic. Some parents may decide to go outside the norm and choose not to vaccinate or choose only some vaccinations. They have developed fear that certain vaccinations can cause other illnesses or mental problems. One parent understands vaccinations are customary and necessary based on medical advice and public health recommendations. However the other parent may have personal beliefs or concerns that influence their resistance. In this case, parents can seek professional advice from healthcare providers who can supply unbiased information on vaccinations.
If the issue is not resolved, then the court may have to intervene and decide in the best interest of the child’s health and safety. A concerned parent should discuss with their family law attorney how to ask the court for help in resolving the question.
Choosing Your Child’s Pediatrician
Choosing a doctor for the child is another area where parents may struggle to find common ground. Each parent may have a preferred pediatrician influenced by factors such as proximity, personal relationships, or medical philosophies. Parents need to be openminded and set aside their individual wants and find a doctor they can both agree on.
Again if parents cannot resolve the issue, consult with a family law attorney to decide if the family court will have to make the decision. Mediation may be a good way for parents to get together in a less volatile setting to decide on a reasonable compromise.
Mental Health Care
Mental health care is an increasingly important aspect of a child’s overall well-being. Though understanding mental health disorders has increased , there are parents who prefer to disbelieve mental health disease exists. Or if they do believe it exists, they may disagree with treatment.
Parents may have different opinions on the necessity or approach to mental health treatment. One parent may advocate for therapy, counseling, and medication, while the other may believe that the child’s issues can be resolved without professional intervention. Collaboration between parents and mental health professionals can help determine the most appropriate course of action, ensuring the child receives the necessary support and care.
Again, when parents cannot agree, then they may need to bring it to the court’s attention for their guidance and decision.
Talk with Mansfield-Fort Worth Family Law Attorney Wendy L. Hart
No one is saying parents do not care about the well-being of their child when it comes to these three medical decisions. But finding a way to view it in the best interests of the child over individual parent concerns is the key. To resolve it, both parents should engage in an open minded and respectful exchange of views. They should seek guidance from reputable medical professionals and legitimate healthcare sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Wendy Hart, an experienced family law attorney in Texas, knows all too well the disputes that can come up between parents. If you have issues with your co-parent about decision-making, whether it be medical or other important areas of child-rearing, you should seek help from Attorney Hart. Professional mediation or eventually the court’s involvement may be necessary, and Attorney Hart is prepared to guide you through the appropriate legal steps to resolve the conflict. If you have to go to Court, even if you do not “get your way,” there will be a certain peace of mind that your concern was heard, a higher power made an informed decision, and you need to abide by that.
For a consultation reach out to The Law Office of Wendy L. Hart, by calling our Mansfield-Fort Worth law office today at (817) 842-2336.
