Janssen Estate Probate & Elder Law stands ready to assist those searching for answers about ‘how to plan for the care of your child with special needs?' For the past 35 years, we have dedicated ourselves to serving the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. As passionate advocates for our clients, we believe that being informed is key when making important decisions when planning an estate.

Care planning for a child who has special needs can be an intricate yet necessary process, and this article offers tips and insight into creating a safe and supportive future for your children. We will examine six strategies to care for these children as well as financial planning tips as well and the importance of hiring an attorney.

How do you plan a child with special needs?

Planning for the well-being of a child who has special needs is of the utmost importance, and this step-by-step plan can assist in getting you underway.

• Understanding Your Child's Needs: To ensure a child receives appropriate assistance, start by becoming aware of his/her abilities and challenges. Consult specialists or therapists as needed in order to create an in-depth profile for your child.
• Building a Solid Support Network: Establishing an effective support system is of utmost importance. Join support groups or connect with other parents of children with special needs to foster growth in your network.
• Create a Long-Term Plan: Consider what care options would best serve your child in the future and devise an action plan for long-term care, including medical, therapy, education, and residential considerations.
• Financial Planning: Establish a trust for your child with special needs to protect their financial security and consult with an adviser regarding what options would best serve your family.
• Legal Matters: Create important legal documents like a guardianship plan, power of attorney, and will. By doing this, you can ensure your child's care even when you cannot provide it yourself.
• Communicate Your Plan: Make sure you share your plan with family, friends, and anyone involved in caring for your child. Open communication between all caregivers involved is vital in providing proper care to children.

6 Tips for Caring for a Child with Special Needs

1. Understand Their Needs: Understand his/her needs and condition. Take time to discover strengths and challenges for each of them.
2. Establish a Strong Support Network: Building a strong support network is vitally important. Connect with online and local communities of parents of special needs children. This way you can gain advice, emotional support and valuable insight from them.
3. Financial Planning: Special needs children require additional financial resources. Explore what government benefits and grants are available for them and consider setting up a trust for special needs children to ensure their financial security.
4. Legal Matters: Protect your child's legal interests by designating a guardian and creating a will outlining his/her care and inheritance. Consider consulting a lawyer experienced in special needs planning to safeguard his/her interests.
5. Healthcare and Education: Work closely with educators and healthcare professionals knowledgeable in your child's specific condition to design an Individualized Education Program tailored specifically for him/her and ensure they receive any therapies or support necessary.
6. Transition Planning: As they age, prepare your child's transition into adulthood by considering vocational training, independent living arrangements, and employment options that best match his or her abilities and interests.

Steps To Planning Your Child's Financial Future

Financial planning for your child is essential in safeguarding his or her future. Here are some steps you should take:

• Understanding Government Benefits: Learn about government programs that offer financial assistance for people with special needs.
• Create a Special Needs Trust: Establishing a trust for your child with special needs will protect their assets while making sure they qualify for government assistance programs and providing an income source to cover their expenses.
• Careful Investment: To create an investment strategy tailored to special needs planning, consult with an advisor who has extensive knowledge in special needs financial planning. Diversify investments for long-term stability.
• Draft Legal Documents: Consulting an attorney is key when creating legal documents, such as wills, powers of attorney, and letters of intent that ensure both your child's financial and emotional well-being.

Why hiring an attorney is preferable?

Families caring for children with special needs may benefit from hiring an attorney, as it will give them expert legal guidance in providing for these special needs. Here's why:

• Legal Expertise: Attorneys who specialize in special needs Law are familiar with all of the legal and regulatory considerations involved with planning for your child's life.
• Customized Solutions: An attorney can draft legal documents such as trusts for children with special needs to meet your child's individual needs and ensure their best interests will be protected.
• Navigating Process: With their experience and legal knowledge, an attorney can assist in navigating through the complicated processes involved with securing resources for your child from government agencies.
• Peace of Mind: With the assistance of an attorney, you can rest easy knowing that your child's future is secure.

When is the right time to hire an attorney?

Now is the time to hire an attorney! Don't wait until something goes wrong before consulting with a special needs attorney. Plan ahead so that your child receives optimal care and support.

What criteria must be met when searching for an attorney?

Finding a lawyer to assist in special planning for your child should not be taken lightly. When making this selection, keep these criteria in mind:

• Experience: When hiring an attorney who specializes in special needs law, look for their track record of success in this area.
• Reputation: Examine reviews written by parents in similar situations and solicit their recommendations.
• Communication: Select an attorney who listens and can communicate clearly.
• Affordable: Be certain that the fees charged by the attorney match up with what services are being rendered to you.

Why Choose Janssen Estate Probate & Elder Law

We specialize in planning for special needs and meet all criteria to qualify as reliable attorneys:

• Experience: We've been helping families secure the futures of their children for 35 years.
• Credentials: Our attorneys are certified special needs lawyers.
• Reputation: Outstanding reputation for offering effective and compassionate legal services.
• Communication: Open communication is of utmost importance so that we ensure you understand every step in the process.
• Affordable Services: We have affordable fees designed to accommodate a range of budgets.

Suggestions for Action 

• Begin Your Journey: Establish the needs of your child and build a network of support.
• Financial Planning: Speak with a financial adviser and establish a trust for special needs.
• Legal Assistance: Hiring an experienced special needs law lawyer who can draft important legal documents is highly advised.
• Network and Share: Join local support groups to connect and exchange experiences.
• Self-Care: Take time out for yourself so you can provide optimal care to your children.

An early plan will give your child the security and protection they need. With professional legal advice at hand, you can ensure a bright future for them. Contact us today at 913-322-6300 or send us an email on our Contact Page.