As the holidays remind us of the importance of family, they also provide a time for reflection and planning for the future. If we’ve learned anything from recent years, it’s that life is fleeting. As we celebrate the season and welcome a new year, consider giving your family the ultimate gift: peace of mind. Take a moment to address an essential task for the future of your child with special needs.
Why Special Needs Planning Matters
For families with children with disabilities, thoughts about their loved one’s future are ever-present. Special needs planning helps you create a comprehensive plan to ensure your child’s well-being, both financially and emotionally, even when you’re no longer there. This process often involves:
Establishing a Special Needs Trust (SNT) to preserve your child’s eligibility for government benefits while providing financial support.
Naming a trusted guardian to step into your role as caregiver.
Drafting a Letter of Intent to guide your child’s future care and lifestyle.
At Entrusted Legacy Law, we specialize in helping families navigate these critical decisions, ensuring that every aspect of your plan is customized to meet your unique needs.
What Is a Letter of Intent?
A Letter of Intent, also called a Memorandum of Intent, is a detailed guide for your child’s guardian that outlines their needs and your wishes for their care. While not legally binding, this document can be a vital companion to legal estate planning tools like wills and trusts, helping prevent confusion or miscommunication.
What Should a Letter of Intent Include?
To safeguard your child’s future, here’s what to include in your Letter of Intent:
An Overview of Your Child Begin with a summary of your child’s life, including their personality, interests, and your hopes for their future. Specify where you think they should live and the type of care they would thrive under.
Details About Public Benefits Provide information about any government assistance your child receives, such as SSDI or Medicaid. Ensuring the guardian understands these programs is crucial to maintaining your child’s eligibility.
Medical Information List medical conditions, doctors, procedures, medications, and any allergies or dietary preferences. Include family medical history and notes about what has or hasn’t worked in the past for managing your child’s care.
Support System and Key Relationships Share details about family, friends, teachers, and mentors who are important to your child. Include contact information and tips on how these relationships can be nurtured.
Effective Parenting Practices Provide behavioral management strategies that work for your child, and list approaches that should be avoided. For adult children, describe techniques or routines that help maintain their independence.
A Holistic Plan for a Bright Future
Special needs planning doesn’t stop with a Letter of Intent. It’s a multi-layered process that should include:
Reviewing and updating your estate planning documents regularly to ensure they align with your child’s evolving needs.
Addressing financial strategies, such as life insurance policies or other funding mechanisms for a Special Needs Trust.
Collaborating with a team of professionals, including attorneys and financial advisors, to create a cohesive plan.
At Entrusted Legacy Law, we are passionate about helping families protect what matters most. Our experienced team understands the unique challenges you face and is committed to guiding you every step of the way.
Start Today for Peace of Mind Tomorrow
This holiday season, take a step toward securing your child’s future. Block time to start—or review—your special needs plan, including your Letter of Intent. Ensuring these plans are in place is one of the most loving and impactful gifts you can give.
From all of us at Entrusted Legacy Law, we wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with peace, love, and security. Let us help you protect your family and legacy—now and always.
Contact Entrusted Legacy Law at 412-347-1731 or click here to schedule a complimentary 15-Minute call.
This article is a service of Entrusted Legacy Law. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life and Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge. Please note this is educational content only and is not intended to act as legal advice.
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