SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING & SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST ATTORNEY

For all parents, worrying about a child's future is just part of being a parent. Working with a special needs planning attorney can help families prepare for long-term care, financial security, and legal protection for their loved one. For parents of children with special needs, that worry is magnified. A disability can affect the child's ability to become independent and financially secure as an adult.  Parents of a developmentally disabled child often worry about what will happen to their children after they are gone. Planning for their child's care, whether adults or minors, means making decisions that must last for the life of the child.  That is why planning for your special needs child's future is so important.

The cost of raising a special needs child can be overwhelming. Proper special needs planning helps families coordinate government benefits with long-term financial planning strategies. Your child needs to be able to take advantage of government programs and financial planning strategies that are available without jeopardizing important benefits such as SSI and Medicaid. With proper planning, your legacy can be set aside to supplement government benefits, rather than disqualifying your special needs child from receiving those benefits. 

If you have a child or other loved one who has a physical or mental disability, or a chronic or acquired illness, a special needs trust created with a special needs trust attorney may be a critical piece of your estate plan. A special needs trust can protect your loved one's inheritance and allow your loved one to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, or other government benefits while preserving eligibility for assistance programs. The assets in the trust are used to provide supplemental care not provided by the government, allowing families to enhance their loved one's quality of life without affecting government assistance. In addition, the assets can be used to pay for items or services that will improve your loved one's quality of life, such as vacations and entertainment.