High school graduation is an important day in the life of a child with special needs. But knowing what to do next is even more important. Here are some things to keep in mind as your child transitions from high school into adulthood.
When you are the parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities, planning for your child’s future starts early. One top consideration for your loved one as they age is planning for their long-term care. Read what to consider when embarking on the planning process.
Of the many life challenges and circumstances that can potentially disrupt the life of a child with special needs, divorce is undoubtedly one of the most difficult situations to contend with. While the rate of divorce remains lower for couples with a child with special needs, the stress and added responsibilities on parents can lead [...]
The eighteenth birthday of a child with special needs marks the beginning of significant changes regarding the benefits and services they can receive. While there are many things to consider, we have outlined the top five to help you prepare for your child’s major milestone.
This issue of The Voice® was written by Special Needs Alliance member Darcy Chamberlin, Esq. of Chamberlin Riechert Law Group in Oak Brook, Illinois. The firm’s primary areas of practice are Elder Law, Special Needs Planning, Guardianship and Estate Planning.
The Voice is the e-mail newsletter of The Special Needs Alliance. This installment was written by Pacheco, California, Special Needs Alliance member Stephen W. Dale of The Dale Law Firm, PC. Steve is a disability rights advocate and attorney dedicated to providing quality estate planning. He is a frequent speaker on a variety of disability related topics across the country. Steve regularly teaches courses to the public, financial professionals, and other attorneys on special needs trusts and trust administration. Additionally, he serves as the trustee for the Golden State Pooled Trust. Steve offers numerous videos and handouts to the public and his colleagues at www.achievingindependence.com.
If you want to set aside money for the education of a child (or a grandchild, or anyone else), you can choose from a variety of options. One popular choice is to establish a "529 Plan" fund. These education accounts are named after the tax code section authorizing their use, and they make it easy [...]