Haines City, FL Special Needs Planning Lawyer

When you are a parent or family member of a child or loved one who has mental or physical disabilities, you quickly realize the increased level of care and financial burden that come with meeting their needs. Whether the disability is present from birth or occurs as a result of an accident, caring for a disabled child requires special attention beyond what is necessary for children without disabilities. This necessitates the development of a unique plan to guarantee that your loved one will be well taken care of in case something happens to you. By creating a personalized plan tailored specifically to your child’s individual requirements, you can ensure that they receive the best possible support. If you’re interested in learning more about how to get started on this process, we encourage you to contact our Haines City special needs planning lawyer, Reggie Osenton, who has extensive experience in this area and is eager to assist you.

What Is Special Needs Planning?

Special needs planning is centered around the careful handling of financial and legal affairs for individuals with disabilities. The main objective is to devise efficient strategies catering to their specific needs while safeguarding their eligibility for government aid programs. The complexity of the laws can be overwhelming, especially for families lacking experience in this area, which is precisely why an experienced special needs attorney can be so helpful.

Why You Need A Special Needs Planning Lawyer 

A special needs planning attorney can create comprehensive plans tailored to the specific conditions of each family. We have the necessary background and experience to guide families through the complicated rules that govern programs like Medicaid and Social Security Disability.

Furthermore, we provide valuable support in establishing trusts and other financial tools that ensure long-term care for loved ones, even after their passing. One crucial aspect of special needs planning involves finding a delicate balance between maintaining eligibility for government benefits and improving one’s quality of life. This requires careful consideration of various factors such as income, assets, and medical expenses.

By working closely with a special needs planning lawyer in Haines City, you can effectively navigate these complex issues and develop a well-crafted plan that not only meets your loved ones’ unique requirements but also safeguards their eligibility for essential government assistance programs.

What Tools Are Available?

Special planning tools are crucial for individuals with disabilities and their families to ensure financial security and preserve their overall well-being. Two of the most commonly utilized planning tools are special needs trusts, specifically third-party and first-party trusts.

In a third-party special needs trust, assets are provided by a family member or close friend. This type of trust enables the beneficiary to receive financial assistance without impacting their eligibility for government benefits.

On the other hand, a first-party special needs trust is funded using assets owned by the beneficiaries themselves, including inheritances or settlements from personal injury cases. By establishing this type of trust, individuals can still access funds for additional expenses while safeguarding their eligibility for government benefits.

It should be noted that there are strict restrictions on how funds from these trusts can be used. Trust distributions cannot cover housing costs, food expenses, utilities, or any other expenditures already covered by government programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, they can be utilized to pay for items that enhance one’s quality of life, such as clothing, entertainment activities, companionship services,housekeeping assistance, etc. The use of trust assets to supplement or duplicate government benefits could disqualify a beneficiary from receiving further government assistance.

Why You Can Trust Our Haines City Special Needs Planning Lawyer

With over three decades of experience serving clients with special needs, Osenton Law, PC, has assisted clients in preparation for a variety of situations. There are many obstacles and intricacies involved in special needs planning, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our rates remain affordable while ensuring a high standard of service and attention. You can have peace of mind knowing that our pricing is transparent from the start, eliminating any unexpected surprises or undisclosed charges along the way. Our team is dedicated to helping you develop a comprehensive plan tailored to your loved one’s specific requirements. Get in touch with Osenton Law, PC, today to arrange a complimentary consultation!