An estate plan can help young families that face different estate planning needs and challenges than those who have had a long life behind them. While established families may be concerned about what will happen to their family when they pass on, young, growing families can be more focused on what is happening to their family in the present.
Key Takeaways:
- Estate planning for parents with special needs children requires careful consideration to ensure long-term care and financial security.
- Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) are essential for preserving eligibility for government benefits while providing supplemental support.
- Collaborating with experienced estate planners who understand the nuances of special needs planning is critical.
The Care and Custody of Your Children
If you die or become incapacitated before your children reach 18, they will need a legal guardian. To ensure your children are only ever in the care of people you want and choose, you need to name both temporary and long-term guardians for your children. Identifying friends or family as the “godparent” of your child isn’t enough. You need to legally document your choice. And, naming just one person or a couple won’t cover it either. Name at least 3 options, in case back-ups are needed.
Also, ensure that you have not just named legal guardians in your Will, for the long-term.
The Management of Your Children’s Inheritance
Remember, when you die, the assets left to your minor children will need to be managed by someone at least until they turn eighteen. If no one is identified for this task, the court steps in and appoints “professionals” to take over the role, which can cost your children their entire inheritance.
And, it’s totally unnecessary. With just a bit of prior planning, you can keep your loved ones out of the Court system entirely and give total control to the people you know, love and trust.
The Authority to Make Decisions for Your Estate
Finally, no matter what your age is, or how big or small your assets are, you want to put in place the documentation that appoints the people you would want making decisions for you, if you cannot make your own decisions.
An estate plan can help young families that face different estate planning needs and challenges than those who have had a long life behind them. While established families may be concerned about what will happen to their family when they pass on, young, growing families can be more focused on what is happening to their family in the present.
The Care and Custody of Your Children
If you die or become incapacitated before your children reach 18, they will need a legal guardian. To ensure your children are only ever in the care of people you want and choose, you need to name both temporary and long-term guardians for your children.
Identifying friends or family as the “godparent” of your child isn’t enough. You need to legally document your choice. And, naming just one person or a couple won’t cover it either. Name at least 3 options, in case back-ups are needed.
Also, ensure that you have not just named legal guardians in your Will, for the long-term.
The Management of Your Children’s Inheritance
Remember, when you die, the assets left to your minor children will need to be managed by someone at least until they turn eighteen. If no one is identified for this task, the court steps in and appoints “professionals” to take over the role, which can cost your children their entire inheritance.
And, it’s totally unnecessary. With just a bit of prior planning, you can keep your loved ones out of the Court system entirely and give total control to the people you know, love and trust.
The Authority to Make Decisions for Your Estate
Finally, no matter what your age is, or how big or small your assets are, you want to put in place the documentation that appoints the people you would want making decisions for you, if you cannot make your own decisions.
Once again, the focus here is on keeping the people you love out of Court during what would be a hugely stressful time for them.
Get Help Today with Hurban Law, LLC in Lawrenceville, GA
Navigating the estate planning process for a child with special needs can be daunting. Contact Hurban Law for expert guidance and support to create a comprehensive estate plan that meets the specific needs of your family and ensures your child’s well-being and security. Getting an estate planning attorney to help you is a key part of growing up, and showing up for the people you love. So, yes, you may be a young family, but once you’ve become a family, you’re not too young to plan well to make things as easy as possible for the people you love.
