Special Needs Planning Attorney in Washington, D.C.
Protect Your Special Needs Child’s Future with Estate Planning
Estate planning for families with special needs children requires a comprehensive approach to address the complex financial, social, and medical challenges. This is where Kevin C Martin, Attorney at Law, comes in.
I am dedicated to ensuring that your special needs child is provided for in the event that you can no longer serve as their primary caregiver. I offer a range of estate planning tools and strategies specifically tailored to the unique circumstances of families with special needs children.
Let me help you provide your child with the financial security they need to live a quality life while safeguarding their eligibility for government benefits. I will also assist you in choosing and appointing a trustworthy guardian and trustee to care for your child in case of your death or incapacity. Additionally, I can help you find the best residential options and determine the best means of paying for them.
Special Needs Trusts: A Solution to the Catch-22
A significant challenge in estate planning for special needs children is leaving enough money to cover their lifetime care and support while ensuring they are not disqualified from government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Social Security Income.
Leaving a large sum of money directly to a special needs child raises concerns about the impact on their government assistance and their ability to manage finances. To address this, we have a solution called a “special needs trust.” This estate planning tool provides additional financial resources for physically, mentally, or developmentally disabled children without affecting their eligibility for public healthcare and income assistance benefits.
However, the rules governing special needs trusts are complex. For instance, funds from a special needs trust cannot be directly distributed to the beneficiary and may be disbursed to a third party responsible for their needs.
It is essential to work with a special needs attorney to create a comprehensive special needs trust that is well-structured and suitable for your child’s specific needs. Your child’s financial and emotional requirements may change over time, and the laws regarding public benefits may also change, so it’s crucial to have an attorney who can adapt and update the trust accordingly.
Estate Planning for Children with Special Needs
Together, we will develop a sustainable living plan for your particular needs child that will provide them with the necessary financial support to live a fulfilling life while preserving their access to government benefits.
