Planning for Your Special Needs Child, Elder Law Attorney, Woodstock, GA

If you have a child with special needs, then you know that they often need a lot of money in order to get the basic services they require. This means that you have some extra challenges to overcome in estate planning.

Caring for a child with special needs is not like caring for other children. Other children are expected to eventually be able to support themselves. However, that is not always possible for children with special needs.

Consequently, the parents of a child with special needs must have a plan to care for their child when the parents pass away.

It is not an easy task.

Recently, the New York Times published an article on this very subject titled “Tips for the Future Care of Disabled Family Members.”

The following are key points from the article:

Get Started – The first step is to just get started. You will want to make plans to provide sufficient resources and to ensure that all of your funds will not be used for your own retirement or later-in-life care.
Use New Tools – 529A savings plans may soon be available. They will allow you to save up to $100,000 for your child without jeopardizing your child’s eligibility for government benefits.
Trusts – Setting up a special needs trust with the advice of an experienced estate planning attorney is extremely helpful.
Guardians – Plan carefully to appoint your child’s guardian. It is often better to have two guardians, one to handle the finances and another to handle other matters.

Reference: New York Times (March 27, 2015) “Tips for the Future Care of Disabled Family Members.”

Hear From Our Clients

“On the threshold of retirement, we finally decided to quit thinking we could self-prepare the requisite documents. We had previously had only a very simple will. We needed the necessary legal (including updated will) & health care docs but didn’t want to deal with the time & complication of legalese. Cindy made the process relatively painless. She took the time to explain and answer questions without trying to upsell services. We were done in 2 meetings plus the reading of emailed drafts. In addition to preparing the documents, Nelson Eldercare will be there when our adult children need advice on executing the plans we’ve put in place.So glad it’s behind us and would recommend Cindy and her helpful staff.”

- Bonnie

Cindy and her company treat their clients like family. Nelson’s offers clear, direct, and honest guidance in planning for your families security and future. No one wants to actively sit down and make these decisions, but Nelson’s makes this process seamless. I was so impressed with their willingness to answer all questions big or small. So glad I made the decision have them help my mom and dad and now me. You can’t go wrong with Nelson’s Elder Care Law.

- Hope

The very best elder law attorney and staff anyone could ever ask for! I have referred a number of clients to Cindy and she never disappoints. She is kind, caring, and extremely thorough in making sure everything is completed as it should be. I highly recommend Cindy for anyone needing lawyer services; she truly goes above and beyond for every client she helps and has had a huge impact in so many peoples’ lives. Thank you, Cindy and staff, for everything that you do- I’m so glad to know you!

- Kerri

I heard Cindy’s presentation at a Senior Luncheon at my church, and was very impressed. She helped my daughter and me understand many aspects of elder law. Josh has also been very helpful in my planning to enter an independent living situation . I have told many friends about them.

- Charlotte

Cindy and the Nelson Elder Care Law team are trustworthy and helpful. They are the experts in elder care law. At Leaf Cremation, we entrust our families to the care of the Nelson team when their services are needed.

- Pierce