Planning for the Future

Like almost everyone, you want to die with all your affairs in order. It is important to provide a clear, concise plan of your wishes for your family. Since you know that at the time of your death, it will be a truly emotional time for those left behind, you want to minimize the stress. You want to provide for those who survive you, especially your child with a developmental disability.

We all know this, yet over 50% of us die without a will, and even if we have made a will, we have not reviewed and/or updated our will in the last five years. Others say, “I do not have an estate, so I do not need a will.” Almost everyone has assets, and they need a plan to determine what happens after they are gone.

And if you have a child or loved one with a developmental disability, who will provide for their well being, safety and security after I am gone. And, how can I provide for their financial security without jeopardizing their government benefits?

At times, it seems overwhelming to plan for your child’s future, but “Planning for the Future” now will bring you peace of mind, and improve your life today and the life of your loved one with a disability now and in the future.

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Alternatives to Guardianship

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Using “Special Needs Trusts” in Estate Planning

A “Special Needs Trust” is a legal device for sheltering resources for supplemental needs for a person with a disability. Special Needs Trusts provide resources to improve the quality of life, but they do not replace government benefits that cover basic needs. Funds from the trust can be used for travel, recreation, cable television, computer equipment and more.

Related Facts

An Estate is all money, property and assets owned at your death. Everyone has an estate.

A Will is a legal document that allows you to direct how your estate is distributed after your death. In your Will you can include a “Special Needs Provision.” A special needs provision provides for supplemental needs of your loved one with a disability and yet protects their government benefits. If you are their guardian, you can provide a successor guardian.