While parents typically create estate plans to pass property and wealth to their children and name guardians for their minor children, children with special needs need their own plans in place. Parents of children with special needs need to ensure that their estate plan does not inadvertently disqualify their children from benefits. Special needs planing includes planning for the estate, creating supplemental special needs trusts and wills, helping selected family members become guardians, and planning for eligibility for governmental benefits.
Selected special needs planning activities in this practice area:
- Prepare supplemental special needs trusts and estate plans for individuals with special needs and their families;
- Draft first party special needs trusts
- Draft third party special needs trusts
- Assist individuals and their advocates with applications and eligibility for governmental benefit programs, including Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Represent clients in administrative hearings regarding eligibility for governmental benefits and in court to establish special needs trusts
If you have any questions or need help with special needs planning, please call our office at (802) 442-9800 or schedule a FREE strategy session below.