Worthington Special Needs Estate Planning
As the caregiver of a special needs person, you have always done your utmost to ensure they receive the requisite support and services. From collaborating with their Worthington-area schools on a tailor-made educational plan to applying for government aid, the task of caring for someone with developmental or physical challenges is significant. This level of advocacy doesn’t stop when you’re unable to continue. There may come a time when you can’t care for your loved one due to death or incapacity, underscoring the importance of a well-thought-out estate plan.
In estate planning, special needs is a broad category of documents and tools to protect individuals with a range of physical disabilities, medical conditions, intellectual difficulties, or emotional problems, including learning difficulties and behavioral problems. The experienced estate planning attorneys at Jarvis Law Office understand the unique challenges facing families caring for a special needs child or adult, and we will guide you through the process of protecting their future with a special needs trust.
Outlining Your Estate Plan for a Special Needs Dependent
Since your special needs dependent may not be able to voice their needs after you’re gone, it’s important to formalize your wishes and compile all important, related documents in a file box that can be readily found. Arranging this information and kick-starting an extensive estate planning process is never premature. As you sit with our special needs estate planning attorney, we’ll ensure that your file includes the following:
- Guardianship documents naming the person or people appointed to care for the child or disabled person when you can’t.
- Important legal documents such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, medical records, prescriptions, and health insurance cards.
- A Letter of Intent, a non-binding document that gives vital information about the child with special needs to his or her future caregivers. This can be details like your child’s sleeping preferences, eating habits and favorite foods, activities and hobbies, and other things that impact his or her routine.
- Copies of your own advanced health care and financial directives such as powers of attorney, living wills, and health care proxies.
- A list of major assets such as insurance policies, investments, and bank accounts, and information about where they are located.
- A list of government benefits your child may receive, as well as copies of completed applications and contact information for caseworkers with whom you have worked.
- Other documentation, like tax returns for your child and information about housing and educational programs to assist future caregivers.
- Copies of special needs trusts, living, or insurance trusts that may be in effect.
This file will need to be updated regularly to allow for changes in your dependent’s age, skills, and living situation.
A Special Needs Trust: An Important Legacy and Safeguard
Your child or loved one likely meets the criteria for various government aid programs that help with their care and health needs. They qualify because of their disability and lack of financial assets. Yet, if you pass away and leave your assets to them, assuming you’re providing the necessary financial aid, it may inadvertently lead to more harm by disqualifying them from these important government benefits.
By establishing a special needs trust, however, you can enhance your dependent child’s future quality of life without affecting their access to important benefits. In fact, you can take advantage of a special needs trust even during your lifetime. You can use money from this type of trust to:
- Cover out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Pay for additional assistance in the home
- Purchase assistive devices that are not covered by Medicaid
- Cover the cost of private tutoring or other educational programs
- Pay for life-enhancing activities such as theme park admission, movies, athletic teams, vacations, and more
Your child will not lose access to these need-based government benefits as long as the trust money is not used to pay for medical care, food, and housing.
Contact Jarvis Law Office To Get Started Today
A special needs estate planning attorney can help you plan for the future and make life better for your child with special needs now. Contact us in the Worthington area today to talk about how we can help you. The future holds a lot of uncertainty, but your child’s care doesn’t have to be one of them.
