Being a good parent can feel overwhelming, especially if one of your children has special needs that require help with daily activities and coordinated services. Where can you find the time or energy to invest in long-term planning?
As difficult as it might be, consulting with a special needs attorney can get you on the right path to prepare for your child’s future. He or she can advise you on documents and plans you need to stay involved in your child’s care even as they reach adulthood at 18.
It’s important to note that when a person with special needs becomes an adult, the parent will no longer have access to medical or financial information unless the child can give legal permission or the court orders such.
That’s why it’s so important to develop a relationship with an attorney before the child reaches age 18 to determine the best way to secure those permissions, either through your child’s signature on a power of attorney or seeking a guardianship with the courts if they do not have the capacity to enter legal agreements.
A special needs attorney will also walk you through benefits your child may be eligible for and how to maintain eligibility through legally-protected private funding such as special needs trust, a life insurance policy, or settling up an ABLE account. Attorneys are general connected in community caregiver groups as well, providing unique access to case managers, therapists and other helpful professionals.
Being a parent to a child with special needs can take a lot of work, but working with a special needs attorney can help ease some of the load and give you peace of mind that your child will be taken care of in the future. Ready to start your plan? Contact our law firm and we’ll help your family prepare for the future.