Special Needs Trust
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Special Needs Trust
April 2008
We have two Special Needs boys. they are 11 and 7. our 11
Y.O. has Fetal Alcholism, ADHD, mild retardation and Social
problems. My 7 Y.O. has verbal apraxia, so he speaks very
little, he is also very socially and developmental disabled.
All of these, (most anyway) are invisable, so on sight my kids
look perfectally ''normal''. This is a bigger problem than
people understand, and as they get older it increases in degree
of difficulty.
Here's where we need advice. Someday we will not be around to
arrange their lives. that day may be 10 or 20 years away, but
my partner and I cannot help but wonder how they will get
through life. So the question is, are there parents, like us,
out there who have come up with some ideas on how to leave your
Special Need family members when you are no longer around to
protect them. Any thoughts would by helpful.
I too am the mom of a special needs boy (now 12) and I have
lots of anxiety about his future should something happen to me.
I think your fears are very common and normal to have. But
there are steps you can take to protect your kids. One is
establishing a special needs trust. This would require an
attorney but it protects your children legally if something
were to (god forbid) happen to you. A family law attorney
should be able to help you establish a trust for your children.
Best of luck.
October 2005
We are looking for a lawyer who is specialized in setting up guardianship. We don't
own anything so we don't need a trust. We want to make sure that our child is taken
care of in case we can't. Our child may fall into the category of special needs, but we
will only know for sure in a few years.
Any recommendation?
-a
The Dale Law Firm hosts free workshops on limited
conservatorships and special needs trusts (in Walnut Creek and
S.F)for parents of special needs kids- they may be able to help
you or refer you to someone who can. Their website is
http://www.achievingindependence.com/
and their workshops are posted in the calendar section of
''The Source'', newsletter of the Family Resource Network of
Alameda County. FYI: Family Resource Network is a great source
for information, referrals, support groups, etc re caring for
children with special needs and their phone is #510-547-7322.
Peggy
I can recommend the Law Offices of Jessica Watson to help with legal
issues involving children. I felt Ms Watson was knowledgable
and approachable. http://sfchildandfamilylaw.com
Pascal
May 2005
I'm looking for a financial planner with experience planning for
a special needs child as well as retirement and college. I would
want to use fee-based services. I'm also looking for a lawyer
with experience setting up special needs trusts. Any
recommendations from other families with special needs children?
Jessica
Special needs, college, retirement financial planner: Pat
Jennerjohn of Focused Finances in Oakland (510) 763-3851. She's
fee only and her fees are reasonable.
Special needs attorneys: The Dale Law Firm
(www.achievingindependence.com). They also have free
introductory classes.
Diane
October 2003
Can anyone recommend an estate planning/wills attorney
specializing in setting up estate plans and special needs trusts
for a family with a disabled child who will need life long care?
Thank you.
Diane
I have heard an attorney give a talk on special needs trusts.
Her name is Polly Levin at Stephen W. Dale & Associates in
Walnut Creek. Phone: 925 280-0172;
www.achievingindependence.com. The law office also gives free
workshops.
Kathy R.
I believe that the Law Offices of Robb and Ross in Mill Valley
specialize in just that. (415) 332-3831
I do not have a disabled child with special needs, but my lawyer
is a wonderful woman that specializes in wills, trusts, estate
planning and probate. She'll research everything to do what's
best for you. She's easy to work with and will put you at ease.
Everyone that I've sent to her has been extremely happy with her
work. I highly recommend her.
Linda J. Miller
2140 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 604
Berkeley, CA 94704
Katherine
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