The deep concern of every parent of a special needs child is what would happen if they weren’t there?
Dennis is very close to this issue. When he finished law school in 1994, his mom made sure she was his first customer and the biggest concern was including a Special Needs Trust for his older brother Brian who has Down’s Syndrome. Dennis’ mom passed in 1999 and his sister has been administering that trust ever since protecting Brian’s eligibility for government benefits. This issue is also of keen interest to Dennis because and his wife have two children with special needs themselves.
We at the firm know and understand your concerns. You’re facing medical, financial, social, and legal issues. We can help you find the assistance you need now, show you how to ensure your special needs child will be well-cared for after you are gone, and stay with you every step of the journey.
Special Needs Trusts
There are a wide range of special needs trusts, each of which is designed to accomplish a specific goal or address a particular family situation. In general, special needs trusts seek to maintain eligibility for means tested government assistance programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) while providing supplemental services not provided by Medicaid and SSI. These services can dramatically improve the quality of life for your special needs child. Here is a partial list of the supplemental services available to your child with a properly designed, implemented and funded special needs trust:
- Annual check-ups at an independent medical facility
- Attendance of religious services
- Supplemental education and tutoring
- Out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses
- Transportation (including purchase of a vehicle)
- Maintenance of vehicles
- Purchase materials for a hobby or recreation activity
- Funds for trips or vacations
- Funds for entertainment such as movies, shows or ballgames
- Purchase of goods and services that add pleasure and quality to life: computers, videos, furniture, or electronics
- Athletic training or competitions
- Special dietary needs
- Personal care attendant or escort
If you are raising a child with special needs, contact us today to discuss your particular situation. We can help ensure that your child receives the best possible care for the rest of his or her life. And help you experience greater peace of mind in the process.
Together we can look at your child’s needs, your family’s financial situation, what benefits are available, and what legal strategies will help today — and tomorrow. We will use our experience, knowledge of the law, and close relationships with numerous private and public agencies to secure for your child the maximum in benefits and health care.
Your child is precious to you. That means, as you are all too aware, that you, as a parent, need to be informed, so that the planning and protection of your child does the job.