What aspect of special needs planning do people often overlook?

When planning for the future of your special needs child, you have to think about what will happen after you are gone. You make arrangements to financially support your child and ensure that he or she has somewhere safe to live. However, what many parents overlook is a support system for their child.

Right now, you probably have a lot of people in your life and with whom your child interacts. After your death, though, will all those people still be around? If you do not know the answer, then USA Today suggests that you create a plan for a support team for your child.

Basic support

You probably have the basic support in place, which includes a guardian who will take care of your child’s general care and a trustee who will manage the finances for your child. These two individuals are important, but they are not the only people your child will need in his or her life.

More support

Your child’s world will be very different when you are no longer there, so he or she will need additional people around. These people become his or her support system. They should be people he or she trusts and genuinely likes. They can be friends or family who care for your child and want to ensure he or she has a good life.

You should talk with the people who you hope will be there for your child after your death. Find out if they are willing to become part of the support system.

Having more than just a guardian and trustee enables you to ensure your child has people who will make sure your child is happy and safe. They also can be there emotionally for your child as he or she goes through the grieving process and learns how to adjust to the new reality.

The following two tabs change content below.

Kevin Tharpe

With 25 years of experience, Kevin understands how estate planning, special needs planning, and government benefits programs work together. This is a crucial element of a thorough plan. He explains your eligibility for benefits programs and ensures that you do not make costly mistakes that may disqualify you or deplete your assets.

Latest posts by Kevin Tharpe (see all)