There is nothing more difficult than talking about death, preparing for it can make it seem even harder. However, end-of-life planning is an important part of estate planning. No one wants their family to have to make emergency medical decisions…
In order to provide for the needs of a child with special needs or a disabled relative, many families create and fund a special needs trust. It can provide peace of mind to improve a family member’s future quality of…
Eventually, most of us will be faced with caring for a family member or friend who has declining health. Depending on the family’s dynamics, determining who should handle the role and what type of care the ailing relative should receive…
A home purchase can be a lengthy and involved process even when things are going well. If you or a loved one have a physical or developmental disability, the process can be even more challenging. Fortunately, there are resources available…
Modern medicine and health care advancements enable children with a wide variety of special needs (disabilities) to live more productive lives than ever before. Many scientists regard the term special needs as a euphemism for disability. Yet, the difference between…
There is a good chance that you have a beneficiary, since retirement accounts, wills, and trusts commonly have beneficiaries. A beneficiary is an individual (or legal entity) to receive the proceeds from a financial product or vehicle when the owner…
It is a responsive, ongoing process for parents to plan for the future well-being of their adult children with disabilities. A Journal of the American Medical Association reports the life expectancy of adults with Down Syndrome has increased from 25…
When you lose a spouse or long-time partner, it can be difficult to think beyond the pain you are going through. However, it is crucial to understand there are important and timely decisions you need to make regarding your finances…
Almost everyone has heard of trusts, usually when referring to a beneficiary of one. Some may believe that only wealthy people have trusts, but they are common and useful tools when creating estate plans of all sizes. They are used…
Grantors (the individuals who create and fund a trust) generally become trustees when they create a special needs trust (SNT) for a loved one with a disability. However, it is crucial to choose a successor trustee who will continue properly…