When you have family members with special needs, you may worry about their future and who will help them when you can no longer.
Special needs estate planning is a critical step for Orange County families to protect their loved ones and meet their needs. It requires the right strategies and legal tools to ensure their eligibility for essential government benefits.
At Amity Law Group, our compassionate estate planning attorneys understand families’ unique concerns in navigating special needs planning. We work closely with you to create a plan tailored to your loved one’s specific circumstances, offering peace of mind so you do not have to worry about their future.
Special Needs Trusts
A special needs trust is a foundational tool and bedrock in special needs planning. Attorneys versed in special needs planning often use this tool to allow you to set aside assets for your loved ones. A special needs trust provides for your loved ones without jeopardizing their eligibility for vital government programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medi-Cal.
With a special needs trust, you can set aside funds for the benefit of your loved one, and they can still receive crucial government benefits. The funds inside the trust can be used for valuable services such as education, therapy, transportation, and personal care. A lawyer from Amity Law Group could help you establish a special needs trust to meet your family’s goals.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Sometimes, a loved one can make decisions but still needs some oversight, or maybe your loved one cannot make decisions independently. In this case, a guardianship or conservatorship may be necessary.
You can choose a guardian you trust to oversee medical, financial, and personal care decisions. Amity Law Group could guide you through this process and help you understand the legal responsibilities involved.
The Benefits of Special Needs Estate Planning
Several advantages exist for Orange County special needs estate planning, including the following:
Preserving Government Benefits
Besides the peace of mind of knowing that your loved one will be taken care of, one of the most significant advantages of special needs planning is protecting your loved one’s eligibility for SSI, Medi-Cal, and other public assistance programs. Without a plan, even a modest inheritance could disqualify them from receiving these critical benefits.
Providing Long-Term Financial Security
A comprehensive estate plan ensures that your loved one has the financial resources they need to maintain their standard of living. Tools like special needs trusts prevent assets from being mishandled or prematurely depleted.
Ensuring a Seamless Transition of Care
Special needs planning allows you to designate trusted individuals to oversee your loved one’s well-being and ensure their financial and medical needs are met if you can no longer.
Work With an Orange County Special Needs Estate Planning Attorney
Planning for the future of a loved one with special needs requires careful consideration and expert guidance. The lawyers at Amity Law Group are dedicated to helping families navigate this complex process. From establishing special needs trusts to drafting guardianship documents, our estate planning attorneys in Orange County provide personalized solutions to give you peace of mind.
Do not leave your loved one’s future to chance. Contact Amity Law Group today to schedule a consultation with an experienced team of legal professionals. Together, we could create a plan that protects their well-being and ensures their financial security.