Have you heard that the best
defense is a strong offense? So it is with making long-term plans for family
members with special needs. In the end, such family members will be okay and
you will have peace of mind.
Unfortunately, few parents of children with special needs fully appreciate what is at stake and how to protect it. To make matters worse, too few professional financial planners are versed on the need to provide a long-term solution for such children, especially with shrinking public assistance benefits.
The New York Times recently provided a mini-primer of sorts on the subject titled “Assuring Care of a Family Member With Special Needs.” While proper planning will vary from one family to another, given different needs, there are many tools to employ ranging from special needs trusts to life insurance. The key is to know which ones to use.
As the article notes, special needs planning is only going to grow in importance as funds available for public assistance programs – Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, etc. – become more restricted and uncertain.
For more information about special needs planning in Fullerton, CA, please visit my estate planning website.
Reference: The New York Times (October 5, 2012) “Assuring Care of a Family Member With Special Needs
Comments