Many people have loved ones with special needs that they spend a great deal of time taking care of. They know and understand the needs of these individuals as well as how important it is for them to receive this care throughout their life. It is because of this that many people want to make sure this individual is taken care of when they are no longer around to do so themselves. This can be done through an estate plan so that the loved one can continue to receive the resources they need. During this time, it can be beneficial to retain the services of an experienced California estate planning attorney for guidance.
How Do I Ensure My Loved One Receives Government Benefits?
Without proper guidance, there are many simple mistakes that are easy to make while creating an estate plan. For example, some people believe that by including their special needs loved one in their estate plan, they will love their government benefits. However, it is important to know that this is not the case. Instead, a loved one can still receive government benefits while inheriting your assets through the creation of a special needs trust. This can be created to ensure the individual is taken care of throughout the rest of their life.
Government benefits that a special needs individual may receive can include SSI or Medicaid. These benefits provide them with services such as medical and dental care, any necessary transportation services, the education they need, and other assistance. It is crucial that they receive these services, as they are essential to the individual’s basic health and growth. That is why it is important to create an estate plan accordingly so that they do not lose these benefits.
Should I Rely on Others to Financially Assist My Special Needs Loved One?
An individual with special needs requires proper care and attention. Without the stability they need, there is a chance they can lose crucial benefits. It is because of this that, if you wish to protect a loved one with special needs’ future, you should take care of it yourself within your estate plan instead of trusting someone else to do it for you.
While you may worry that it calls your trust of others into question by doing this, it is important not to. It is impossible to predict the future when planning for your estate. This leaves you unaware of the financial circumstances that may occur in others’ lives when you are gone. For example, if you plan for a sibling to take on the financial responsibilities of a special needs loved one, they may go through a divorce later in life and lose half their assets. This can result in them being unable to provide care any longer. That is why it is important that you take care of loved ones who need help on your own.
Contact our Firm
Working with an experienced estate planning attorney, such as Jaci Feldman of the Woodland Hills, California, Law Office of Yacoba Ann Feldman, will ensure that you are taken care of when you need it most.Contact The Law Offices of Yacoba Ann Feldman to schedule a consultation today.
