Beyond the Will: Essential Steps in Special Needs Planning for Parents

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"Who's going to watch over my child and make sure that things are being done properly, that they have everything they need?"

In this conversation, Bob Mannor, a certified elder law attorney, interviews Michele Fuller, a nationally recognized top special needs attorney, about special needs planning.
Bob and Michele discuss the importance of collaboration and the need for a comprehensive approach to planning for families with loved ones with special needs. They highlight the role of a special needs trust and the importance of choosing the right trustee. They also emphasize the need for ongoing planning and the involvement of professionals with expertise in government benefits and financial management. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into the key considerations and resources for special needs planning.
They also offer advice for professionals working with families in this situation and highlight the importance of engaging the thinking brain and testing processes. The conversation concludes with information and additional resources.

Takeaways

• Special needs planning requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach
• Ongoing planning is necessary to address changing circumstances and laws
• Leaving funds for a special needs child through a standalone trust can protect them from potential disruptions in social security benefits and ensure that the funds are used appropriately.
• Proper planning is crucial to avoid common mistakes, such as disinheriting the special needs child or leaving funds to someone else without proper safeguards.
• Creating a memo of intent that outlines the family's values, wishes, and instructions for care is essential for effective planning.
• Professionals working with families in special needs planning should meet them where they're at, help clarify their struggles, and provide resources and guidance tailored to their specific needs.
• Every family with a disabled or special needs child should consult with a special needs attorney to develop a plan that addresses their specific needs and concerns.

Host: Attorney Bob Mannor
Guest: Attorney Michele Fuller
Executive Producer

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ABOUT US:
Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.
We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

Chapters

1. Elder Law and Special Needs Planning (00:00:00)

2. The Importance of Collaboration in Special Needs Planning (00:03:11)

3. Choosing the Right Trustee for a Special Needs Trust (00:07:32)

4. Special Needs Trusts and Estate Planning (00:08:35)

5. The Need for Ongoing Planning in Special Needs Cases (00:13:21)

6. Special Needs Planning and Trust Strategies (00:23:22)

7. Resources and Tools for Special Needs Planning (00:25:21)

8. Different Types of Special Needs Trusts (00:29:28)

9. Importance of Special Needs Trusts (00:34:47)

10. Introduction and the Objective of Special Needs Planning (00:34:55)

11. Understanding Different Types of Trusts (00:35:38)

12. Advantages of Standalone Trusts (00:36:33)

13. Mistakes to Avoid in Special Needs Planning (00:38:06)

14. The Role of Life Insurance in Special Needs Planning (00:44:56)

15. Creating a Memo of Intent (00:46:24)

16. Planning for Special Needs Families (00:48:59)

17. Engaging the Thinking Brain and Testing Processes (00:49:34)

18. Advice for Professionals Working with Special Needs Families (00:52:26)

19. Podcast Subscription Reminder (00:53:30)