Special Needs Planning Attorney in Houston & Fort Worth, TX

Helping Families with Special Needs Plan for the Future in Texas

Special needs planning is a relatively new field, but one that is growing in importance. Special needs planning is about helping families with a member who has a special need plan for the future, whether that be for care, financial security, or other needs. Special needs planning is not just about planning for the future, however. It also includes helping families navigate the legal and financial challenges they may be facing right now.

Our Fort Worth special needs planning attorney helps clients with all aspects of this important field, including planning for the future and helping families deal with the challenges they are facing right now.

For a free consultation with our Houston & Fort Worth special needs planning attorney, call our office today at . We proudly serve clients in Fort Worth, Dallas, and the surrounding communities.

What Is Included in Special Needs Planning?

Special needs planning includes a wide range of services, from helping families understand the financial challenges they may be facing to helping them plan for the future. Our Fort Worth special needs planning attorney provides a full range of services, including:

• Special needs trusts: A special needs trust is one of the most important tools for special needs planning. A special needs trust is a trust designed specifically to hold funds for a person with a special need, with the goal of providing for that person's future care. Our Fort Worth special needs planning attorney can help families set up a special needs trust and make sure it is properly funded.
• Estate planning: Special needs planning is not just about the present, however. It is also about planning for the future. Our Fort Worth special needs planning attorney can help families plan for the future in a way that will help them meet the needs of a person with a special need.
• Legal guidance: Special needs planning is a complex field, and it is important to have a lawyer who understands the legal and financial challenges families with a member with a special need may be facing. Our Fort Worth special needs planning attorney can help families understand their rights and options and plan for the future.

What Are the Most Important Aspects of Special Needs Planning?

Some of the most important aspects of special needs planning include:

• Understanding the legal challenges families may be facing
• Planning for the future
• Helping families navigate the financial challenges they are facing

Special needs planning is about more than just planning for the future. It is also about helping families navigate the financial challenges they are facing right now. Our Fort Worth special needs planning attorney can help families understand the financial challenges they may be facing, including how to pay for care, how to qualify for benefits, and more. We can also help families apply for benefits and navigate the complex application process.

What Are the Benefits of a Special Needs Plan?

Benefits may include:

• Preservation of Government Benefits: One of the primary goals of special needs planning is to ensure that the individual with a disability remains eligible for vital government benefits, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. These benefits are often means-tested, meaning the individual cannot have more than a certain amount of assets to qualify. A special needs trust (SNT) allows you to set aside assets for the benefit of the disabled person without disqualifying them from these programs. This ensures that your loved one can continue to receive healthcare, housing, and other essential support.
• Financial Security for a Lifetime: Special needs planning ensures that your loved one has a steady financial foundation. Without proper planning, an inheritance or a lump sum of money may be mismanaged or quickly depleted. A special needs trust provides structured financial support, with a designated trustee managing and distributing funds responsibly. This ensures the person with special needs will have financial resources to cover expenses not met by government benefits, such as transportation, additional medical care, and recreational activities.
• Protection Against Exploitation: Individuals with disabilities are often more vulnerable to financial exploitation. Special needs planning protects their assets from being misused or exploited by others. By appointing a trustee, you ensure that a reliable, trustworthy person manages the funds in the special needs trust. This added layer of oversight helps prevent financial abuse and ensures that the individual’s best interests are always prioritized.
• Continuity of Care: When you create a special needs plan, you can establish a clear plan for caregiving. This ensures that the care and services your loved one receives will continue even if you can no longer provide them yourself. By including care provisions in the plan, you can identify who will be responsible for managing their day-to-day needs and medical decisions in the future. This peace of mind is invaluable for families who want to ensure their loved one’s well-being is safeguarded for years to come.
• Customization and Flexibility: Special needs planning is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Every individual with a disability has unique needs and circumstances. A customized plan will account for those specific requirements, such as particular medical treatments, housing needs, or social services. Special needs trusts could be structured to allow for flexibility in how funds are used, ensuring they can adapt to the individual's changing needs as they grow older or if their condition evolves.

Contact Our Special Needs Planning Attorney in Houston & Fort Worth Today

Special needs planning is not just about planning for the future or helping families navigate the financial challenges they are facing right now. It is also about helping families understand the legal challenges they may be facing. Our Fort Worth special needs planning attorney can help families understand their rights and options, including what benefits they may be eligible for and how to qualify for those benefits. We can help families apply for benefits and make sure they are receiving the benefits they are entitled to.

Call at (713) 636-5339 today to get started with our Houston & Fort Worth special needs planning lawyer.