Trusts are wonderfully flexible planning devices — but that does mean you have to do the planning. BY ROBERT B FLEMING, CELA and BERNARD A KROOKS, CELA – A client recently asked the following question: I’m thinking about setting up a special needs trust for my son, who has a developmental disability. Will it mean a lot more…
What You Need To Know About Trusts
Planning is critically necessary to avoid unintended consequences in which your wishes are not carried out and the person you care about so deeply is left at risk of losing essential public benefits. “What will happen when I am not around? How can I protect the future of my loved one?” Supplemental Needs & Special…
The Legal Side of Financial Strategies
Creating a financial strategy – which includes financial and legal elements – is smart, practical, and satisfying. Especially when a family member has special needs. “A sound financial strategy takes your family’s current and future financial needs into consideration, especially when planning for the future care of a family member with special needs”, says Kenneth…
Reverse Mortgages The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
BY BERNARD A. KROOKS, ESQ For those who have special needs, or are caregivers for an individual with special needs, the promise of extra cash flow from a reverse mortgage may seem like a wonderful gift; however, be sure to read the fine print. Reverse mortgages are a complex and often misunderstood product. Although they…
Alternatives to Guardianship
BY LAUREN AGORATUS, M.A. Families may be concerned about what the future holds for their child with disabilities. Parents may be fearful if the child will be able to live independently and make decisions for themselves. Children with special needs must have input, based on their abilities. Families and professionals need to start at a…
Developing Money Handling Skills
As you become more confident in your son or daughter’s ability to handle the responsibility and he or she becomes more confident in their ability to handle the transactions, decrease your involvement. Many parents of young adults with learning disabilities are concerned about their son or daughter’s weak skills in money handling. They are rightfully…
One Trust, Multiply Beneficiaries
BY: Mass Mutual Special Care One Trust, Multiply Beneficiaries: Creating a Trust for Caregivers and Care Recipient
Home Renovation Resources: Help in Making Your Home Your Home
Is your home user friendly? For all the people in your family? Is it practical for your family member with special needs? Whether it needs simple changes or major ones, home renovation – rather than a move to a new place – might be the answer. And resources abound to help you make the makeover.…
Providing for a Child with Special Needs—Long Term: A Three-Part Plan
By Andrew M. Cohen, Esq. Originally published in EP Magazine November 2012 Each part of the plan plays a distinct and important role in the care of a child with a physical, mental or emotional disability. For many families with a special needs child, no matter what his or her age, the questions concerning who…