SpecialCare Planning

Mike understands the personal, financial and emotional struggles that families blessed with special people face. He also knows the joys. He experiences them personally, day in and day out. Mike also knows the importance of creating and funding a customized SpecialCare plan.

Make no mistake, when it comes to our children, failure is not an option. When it comes to our special needs dependents, success or failure is our responsiblity.

Planning for the future of an individual with special needs requires in-depth knowledge of the federal laws as they pertain to government benefit eligibility and legal documents such as special needs trusts and guardianships. There are important financial considerations as well for providing not just lifetime care, but quality of life.

In planning for the future of your dependent, remember that you are the primary expert, but you may also need to turn to a number of other resources for assistance on such things as special care estate planning. Though many of these issues can seem overwhelming, it is important you take the time today to provide for your loved one’s tomorrow.

All great things are created twice. First in a person's mind. Then in reality. Mike will help you dream the dream and then make it a reality. Some of the critical issues to consider include:

• Who will look out for my dependent's interests after I'm gone?
  
• Where will my dependent live?
  
• What types of government benefits are potentially available?
  
• Do I need or want these benefits or do I want to self fund my child's future?
  
• Will finances be adequate to take care of my dependent?
  
• Who will take my dependent to his/her favorite activities and expose them to new ones?
  Will my dependent be happy, healthy and secure?

Step 1: The SpecialCare planning process begins with a complete review of your needs, goals and future care plans for your dependent, assessment of government benefit eligibility and a review of your family’s current financial and legal plans.

Step 2: Critical issues that are addressed include the ways that a SpecialCare trust can preserve government benefit eligibility; choice of trustee, guardian, conservator or client self-determination and advocacy training if appropriate.

Step 3: Discuss appropriate funding vehicles to fund a SpecialCare trust.

Step 4: The next step is to review a variety of options available and recommendations for implementation that work with your families unique needs.

Step 5: Referrals are made to other knowledgeable professionals whenever possible, including Attorneys, CPAs, support groups and non-profit organizations.

Finally: Together we will periodically review and revise your plan as life changes occur