All parents and caregivers want the best for their loved ones. When caring for a loved one with special needs, extra steps may be necessary to provide them with the best quality of life possible. Special needs planning is the process of mapping out the steps now that will secure the future for a family member or loved one that has special needs. Through proper planning, you can protect your loved ones, even if you’re not there to provide for them. Often the strategy will be the use of a Special Needs Trust.

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How Does a Special Needs Trust Work?

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Typically, a Special Needs Trust is a trust created to provide for the supplemental needs (as opposed to primary needs) of the loved one with special needs. The objective is to design the arrangement so that public governmental benefits, for which the individual may be eligible, will pay for the primary needs. If properly designed, the trust can provide those comforts and special items not otherwise provided by public assistance programs to help make life more pleasant.

Whenever a family has a loved one with special needs-whether because of physical impairment, illness, or mental limitation-steps needs be taken to put a plan in place that protects their loved one’s welfare and meets future financial needs. Special needs planning can give you the control to decide what kind of quality of life your family member will have. Through thoughtful planning, we can assist you with establishing realistic goals that are based both on their special circumstances and your financial position.

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Special needs planning begins with a complete review of your current financial and legal state, future care plans, and a complete review of your loved ones needs