It’s hard to believe, but there are some couples in Illinois and beyond who end up divorcing when that’s the last thing they want to do. Virtually every time, the reason behind such a decision is a financial one. In this case, a couple is considering divorce to make sure their special needs child has the medical coverage she needs. It turns out that strategic property division could allow the child’s mother to qualify for Medicaid coverage.
Their daughter has a very rare genetic disorder known as Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. Now 6 years old, she suffers from vision and hearing impairment, seizures and kidney trouble, to name just some of her ailments. She’ll never be able to live on her own, and requires a great deal of skilled care.
Currently, her father earns a salary of nearly $40,000, which makes the family ineligible for Medicaid coverage. They are paying for health insurance to the tune of more than $15,000 per year, but that’s placing substantial strain on their finances. Their state of residence offers some assistance, but the waiting list is many years long.
That’s left the couple seriously considering a divorce that neither party desires. While this is certainly not an ideal outcome, there are cases in which divorce and careful property division makes good financial sense. For couples in Illinois who may be considering such a move, it’s important to consult with a family law attorney to ensure that everything is handled properly and that the end result meets the couple’s needs.
