Special Needs Planning is a multidisciplinary facet of estate planning that often goes unnoticed until it’s critically needed. For families with special needs individuals, this strategic planning can make all the difference in the world. Here’s why.
1. Safeguarding Quality of Life: The paramount goal of special needs planning is to ensure the individual maintains a high quality of life, even when the primary caregivers are no longer around. This is accomplished by setting up financial support mechanisms, identifying appropriate housing options, and ensuring the individual has access to necessary medical and personal care.
2. Preserving Eligibility for Government Benefits: Government programs often provide vital resources for those with special needs. However, receiving a direct inheritance could disqualify them from these benefits. A well-crafted Special Needs Trust can protect these resources while ensuring continued eligibility for government aid.
3. Providing Lifetime Care Management: A trustee can be designated to manage the individual’s care and finances by establishing a Special Needs Trust. This person or organization can help coordinate necessary services, handle emergencies, and ensure that the individual’s needs are met throughout their lifetime.
4. Long-Term Financial Stability: Planning for a special needs family member isn’t just about addressing immediate concerns; it’s about creating a secure financial future. By including vehicles like ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts in estate plans, families can safeguard their loved one’s financial well-being in the long run.
5. Peace of Mind for Everyone Involved: Special needs planning grants invaluable peace of mind to families. They can rest assured that their loved one’s future is secure, which reduces stress and anxiety for everyone involved.
6. Legal Changes: Laws related to special needs individuals can be complex and often change. A seasoned estate planning attorney can help navigate these waters, ensuring that all legal aspects are addressed, thereby protecting your loved one from potential legal issues in the future.
7. Personalized Planning: Each person with special needs is unique, and their estate plan should reflect this. Comprehensive special needs planning considers the individual’s unique circumstances, including their medical condition, capabilities, and personal preferences.
In conclusion, special needs planning is more than a legal obligation; it’s a moral one. Families of individuals with special needs are responsible for ensuring their loved ones live a comfortable, fulfilling life, and special needs planning plays a pivotal role in this. It provides stability, protection, and peace of mind, creating a future that families can confidently look forward to.
Contact us today to schedule a free one-hour personal consultation.
From the desk of Attorney Brandon McGee
- Decisions Beyond Possessions: Key Figures in Estate Planning - September 28, 2023
- Pet Trusts: Ensuring Your Pets Are Taken Care Of - September 27, 2023
- The Power of Health Care Directives - September 26, 2023
