One Should Ask: Is it better to have a formal plan in place, or leave things to future family dynamics and the ever changing benefit system? Did you know with proper planning, both while they are alive and after they have passed, grandparents, parents and family can take care of a child, grandchild or family member with special needs in their estate plan? Yes, and such planning will not adversely affect the benefits and programs which the person with special needs has available to them! This class will discuss how to properly protect your assets and provide for the future benefit of the loved one with special needs. Whatever the type of the asset (tangible, income producing or other) there are options you should know. We will discuss how the special needs trust fits into your estate planning, planning for the future of your loved one with special needs, and pros and cons of a special needs trust.

The trust is a very popular component and tool to be used in our Estate Planning. However, there is a variety of vastly different Trust options to be used and the question arises: “Am I using the right Trust for my needs and goals?” Often used Trusts include: Living Trusts, Testamentary Trusts and Irrevocable Trusts, each serves a different purpose, each has a different result. One common problem that often needs addressing is the over-utilization of the Living Trust for goals or problems that it does not resolve. For example, “Does my Living Trust protect my assets against Medicaid and the nursing home?” The answer is probably not. The Irrevocable Trust and the Testamentary Trust each have their strengths and weaknesses as well. We will clearly define the strengths and weaknesses of these different types of Trusts and when to use them. Explore your goals and wishes to see where they fall in the realm of Trusts. Class encourages questions and we hope to provide answers that will set your mind at ease or assist you in the decision making in this area.