As a parent of a child with special needs, there are many things to think through and plan when considering your child’s long-term care needs. A special needs trust is often one of those important pieces.
You’ve likely read our previous blogs on trusts, which was written within the context of your estate planning needs. Think of a special needs trust as a personalized strategy for your child, and it is something you should consider.
What are the benefits of a special needs trust?
A special needs trust addresses the unique needs of an individual with special needs or disabilities. It provides options to protect their interests so that future care and services can be paid for without the threat of losing eligibility for government programs and benefits.
Examples of future care and services might include:
- Special equipment
- Evolving medical care
- Therapy
- Travel costs
- Housing
- Recreation
- Education
Much like your trust, a special needs trust can be created and managed during your lifetime. In fact, many parents establish a special needs trust while crafting their own will, trust, healthcare directives, and other important documents. This way, they have the peace of mind that everything is covered. A special needs trust also allows you to name a trustee to manage the trust assets for the benefit of your child and name caregivers who will step in after you are no longer around.
The attorneys at Christman Ramsey & Foster, PC realize that while there are a variety of legal instruments designed to cover all of your bases, it can be confusing knowing which one checks all the appropriate boxes when it comes to your final wishes and protecting your special needs children now and well into the future.
Our attorneys will help you create legal instruments to distribute your assets according to your wishes, nominate a guardian for minor children, minimize family disputes, avoid probate and estate administration, and plan for incapacity.
Please call Christman Attorneys for your legal needs today!
Please consult an attorney for advice about your situation. The material on this website and in this or any blog article we publish are for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The attorneys at Christman Ramsey & Foster, PC believe in tailoring legal advice and solutions to your circumstances.
We have an unwavering commitment to helping our clients at each stage of their legal situation.
