1.       Procrastinating Estate Planning Altogether  For many parents with children with special needs, estate planning feels very overwhelming, and it’s easy to put it off for another day. Unfortunately, delays can be costly, leaving your child unprotected in case of an unexpected event.  If both parents pass away without a proper plan in place, a direct

When parents think about estate planning for their high-functioning child with special needs, they often assume that a Special Needs Trust (SNT) isn’t necessary, especially if the child is not likely to be receiving public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, planning for your child’s future goes beyond government assistance. What happens if you

When your child turns 18, it’s a moment of pride and transition. They’re stepping into adulthood, gaining independence, and making decisions for themselves. But as exciting as this milestone is, it’s easy to overlook one critical detail: the change in legal authority over their healthcare decisions. Many of us with children who have special needs

As parents, navigating the transition to adulthood for a child with disabilities can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to legal responsibilities. When your child turns 18, they are legally considered an adult, which often comes as a surprise to many parents. This shift can create significant challenges, particularly in making medical and educational decisions.

The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, signed into law in 2014, created a powerful savings tool for individuals with disabilities. ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing access to essential government benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Whether for daily expenses or future needs, these accounts can play a crucial

Have you ever wondered what would happen to your assets, loved ones, or financial future if something unexpected occurred? Whether you’re preparing for retirement, leaving a legacy for your family, or simply ensuring peace of mind, understanding the difference between estate planning and financial planning is crucial. These two strategies are often confused, but they

As a parent of a disabled child approaching adulthood, you may be wondering how child support payments will affect their Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The simple answer is “yes”—child support does reduce your child’s SSI benefits. Here’s how it works: Child support payments ordered by a court are considered income for the child under the

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, especially with changing tax laws. One tool that’s gaining popularity among high-net-worth couples is the Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT). If you’re looking to preserve your wealth and minimize estate taxes, understanding SLATs is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of what they are, how they work, and why you should consider

If you are a parent or guardian of a person with disabilities, you must have wondered why not leave wealth or resources for your child or relative with special needs outright? SNT can help! If a person with a disability who is receiving or who anticipates receiving government benefits (Social Security Income, Medicaid, Food Stamps,