It's a daunting task to put together an estate plan for yourself and maybe even a spouse. When you add children to it, it can become a little more complex. If one of those children has special needs, it's not only more complex but imperative—because you may be their only source of support socially, emotionally, and financially.
At Heritage Law Office, our special needs planning lawyer in Wisconsin understands how delicate special needs planning can be. Parents worry, and rightfully so. We have solutions, though. Below is an overview of special needs planning. Contact us online or at 414-253-8500 for a free consultation to learn more about it and how our legal services can help you and your special needs child.
What Constitutes Special Needs in Wisconsin
Special needs is also referred to as “disability,” "handicap,” or “incapacity.” Each term is differently defined by state and federal law. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), special needs is cited as a disability, and is defined per 42 US Code §12102 as
- A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual;
- A record of such an impairment; or
- Being regarded as having such an impairment.
The meaning of the above definition gets further broken down by the ADA and then narrowed by case precedent. The definition matters if you want your child to get federal and/or state assistance and/or protection. Our estate planning attorney can help you understand what your child may qualify for and how to get it, as well as how to arrange and distribute your own assets upon your death in a way that will best benefit your child.
In the end, though, if your child has special needs––however significant they are or are not––you want to make sure your child is safe and financially stable throughout their life. You can do this through a comprehensive estate plan.
How an Estate Plan in Wisconsin Helps a Child with Special Needs
It's simple, an estate plan can help make sure your child has all the necessities they need. Of course, it all depends on how you put your estate plan together to ensure they have what they need and more. If planned correctly, you can help provide:
- Money management that benefits the child for their lifetime
- Protection for public benefits
- Funds set aside for the future in case public funding is disrupted or restricted
Your tailored-made estate plan can incorporate things like identifying care providers, appointing a guardian, creating a trust and designating a trusted trustee, and finding housing.
- Guardianship
- Trust
- Care providers
- Housing
The most important elements of your estate plan, however, will be the guardianship and creating a trust.
Appointing a Legal Guardian to Look After the Child
One of the most important aspects of estate planning for parents of special needs children is choosing a guardian to look after the child once both parents have passed away. This can be done in the parents' last will and testament. If the parents do not make a joint will, they should make a point of ensuring that they both name the same person as their child's legal guardian.
- For underage children, this legal guardian would have many of the rights and responsibilities of the child's biological parents, allowing them to make some of the most important decisions in the child's life. Oftentimes, a close relative will be appointed because the child is familiar and trusts that person.
- For adult children with special needs, parents can appoint a conservator to make important decisions about the child's medical care and to manage the child's finances.
In either case, parents should choose someone who is trustworthy, reliable, and professional.
Testamentary or Special Needs Trusts
Children with special needs are rarely able to earn a living on their own. Instead, they rely on their parents for financial security.
Parents can continue to provide that financial security by establishing a testamentary trust or a special needs trust. Both set aside assets from the parents' estate to fund a trust that would be professionally managed by a trustee of the parents' choice. The principal in that trust would create interest payments that can be used to cover the child's ongoing needs and care. Also, if drafted properly as a spendthrift trust with strict limits on the trustee's ability to give money to the child, the child may still qualify for public assistance––if desired and necessary.
When selecting the trustee for the trust, you want to consider seriously about who you want the trustee to be, especially if the trust is not set up as a spendthrift trust. If the trustee, like a family member, views the trust's assets as family assets, they may spend the money themselves, too. In lieu of a family member of a trust, you could also consider the following:
- Your attorney
- A trust company
- A financial institution
- A nonprofit organization with experience or specific to special needs
You can also opt to have co-trustees where one trustee is a family member and the other is not. There are, of course, pros and cons to all of these options, so speaking to a special needs lawyer works in your favor.
Avoiding Mistakes in Wisconsin Estate Plans with Special Needs Children
When parents have the assets and want to leave them to their children, including a special needs child, there are a few mistakes often made.
- Disinheritance. Some parents make the mistake of thinking that they can disinherit their child so that they will qualify for public assistance. Public assistance, however, cannot cover all the necessities the child needs even though it provides great benefits, like vocational rehabilitation, job coaching, shared housing, etc. This decision is not recommended.
- Sibling's promise. Parents think they can simply leave their estate to their other children with their other children promising to care for the special needs child. This also is a mistake. Promises come and go. Life happens. There are no assurances, and your special needs child can suffer because of a failure to properly plan.
- Inheritance. Here, parents do leave an inheritance to the child, but if it meets a certain threshold, it will negatively impact the child's eligibility for public benefits. If your child will need both to live comfortably, then this is a mistake.
- Taxes. Sometimes, parents fail to consider taxes. Taxes matter, especially when considering if the special needs trust should be revocable or irrevocable because the implications will vary accordingly.
In the end, it is always best to speak to an estate planning attorney to make sure you set up the estate in your special needs child's best interest.
Contact a Special Needs Planning Lawyer in Wisconsin Today
You want what's best for your special needs child, and we at Heritage Law Office understand that. Our estate planning attorney will review your assets, listen to your wants, and provide the best legal options for you so that your goals for your family are met. Contact us by filling out the online form or calling us directly at 414-253-8500 to schedule a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Does Special Needs Planning Involve?
Special needs planning is a comprehensive approach to ensure that an individual with special needs receives the necessary care and financial support, particularly after the caregivers or parents are no longer around. This process usually involves establishing a Special Needs Trust, appointing a guardian, identifying care providers, and securing a suitable living arrangement for the individual.
2. How Can an Estate Plan Help a Child with Special Needs?
An estate plan helps ensure that a child with special needs receives consistent financial support, even in the absence of their parents. A well-designed plan will facilitate money management that benefits the child throughout their lifetime, safeguard their eligibility for public benefits, and earmark funds for future contingencies. Key elements in this plan often include designating guardians, creating a trust, and arranging housing and care providers.
3. How Does Establishing a Special Needs Trust Help?
Establishing a Special Needs Trust is a way to provide financial resources for a child with special needs without jeopardizing their eligibility for government assistance. The assets in this trust are not counted when assessing eligibility for means-tested benefits, thus ensuring the child can have additional resources for their care while still accessing public benefits.
4. What Are the Mistakes to Avoid in Special Needs Planning?
Common mistakes in special needs planning include disinheriting the child to qualify for public assistance, relying on a sibling's promise to care for the child, leaving an inheritance that impacts the child's eligibility for public benefits, and not considering the tax implications of the estate plan. It's always advisable to consult with a Special Needs Planning lawyer to avoid these pitfalls.
5. How Do I Choose the Right Special Needs Planning Lawyer?
The right Special Needs Planning lawyer should have in-depth knowledge of estate planning and laws governing disability benefits. They should have a history of working with clients in similar situations, and provide compassionate and comprehensive services. Look for a lawyer who listens to your needs and provides customized legal options to ensure the long-term well-being of your child. Contact us by filling out the online form or calling us directly at 414-253-8500 to schedule a free consultation today.