We’re so glad you reached out—caring for a child with special needs is deeply important, and we honor the love and thoughtfulness you’re bringing to this process.
What You Need to Know
The Must Have Documents are designed to help most families create essential legal documents like wills, living trusts, and powers of attorney. However, if you are a parent or guardian of a child with special needs, it’s important to understand that these documents do not include the legal complexity required to create a Special Needs Trust.
A Special Needs Trust (also called a Supplemental Needs Trust) is a legal tool designed to:
Ensure your child can receive assets without losing eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Provide long-term financial support and protect quality of life
Appoint a trustee to manage funds in your child’s best interest
Unfortunately, this type of trust is not supported within the standard Must Have Documents package.
What Are My Options?
To ensure your child's lifelong care and financial well-being, we strongly recommend consulting with an attorney who specializes in special needs or disability estate planning. They can help you:
Draft a customized Special Needs Trust
Coordinate your estate plan to protect your child’s benefits
Ensure proper guardianship arrangements and future caregiving plans
If you’d still like to complete the Must Have Documents for yourself or other family members, you absolutely can—but please do not include assets or inheritances for your special needs child in those documents without professional guidance, as it could impact their benefits.
We’re Here for You
We know this can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Taking this step is a powerful act of love. While we can’t provide legal advice or customize the Must Have Documents, we’re here to support you with any access questions or technical concerns.