Special Needs Planning; Some Considerations

• Whom would you trust as guardian for your child if you were unable to care for them while the child is still a minor?
• Will the child still need a guardian when they reach their majority because of the nature of their physical and mental disabilities?
• If your child is capable of taking care of handling personal needs and living in a situation like a group home, do you still need to appoint a guardian of any property they would inherit at your death?
• Will leaving property to a special needs child affect his or her ability to receive benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medi-Cal?
• Are the child’s medical and physical needs such that it is more important for him or her to receive Medi-Cal benefits than bequests from your estate?
• Should you consider putting your property in trust for the special needs child?
• How will providing for the special needs child affect planning for any other children you may have?

You should consider Special Needs planning no matter what your economic level may be.  SSI and Med-Cal are needs based programs. Leaving your child life insurance proceeds and a home could affect the child’s benefits if care is not taken in how such a legacy is left to the child.  Proper planning now can prevent loss of benefits in the future.

Ensuring that your special needs child is well provided for after you’re gone may seem an overwhelming task.  However, experienced and qualified estate planning attorneys who work in the special needs planning field can help you navigate these difficult waters.  The peace of mind that you will achieve will be well worth the cost of that assistance.