Knowing where to start with estate and special needs planning can be an intimidating task. However, don’t be daunted, because this episode is your lifeline to understanding and managing this process effectively. Host Annette Hines describes the types of life planning she does for clients — estate planning, guardianships and legal authorities, and advocacy and public benefits. Plus, she shares insightful tips on seeking the right professionals who can help steer your journey and provide the support you need.
Diving into the heart of planning, Annette presents an easy way to begin to map out a life and estate plan.
1. Outline your list of support people, known as your Circle of Care: List the important people in your life who fulfill specific roles in your life and those of your disabled person. Figure out where there might be gaps that need to be filled. This involves building a network of individuals and professionals who can provide the necessary support and assistance when needed. It’s important to remember that this is not a one-size-fits-all process, and your circles of support will likely change and evolve over time.
2. Gather all of your stuff and identify: What do I own? Where are my assets, both tangible and digital? What are my debts? What types of work benefits do I need to explore more like long-term care insurance? It’s essential to understand the financial aspects of your life, as they can significantly impact your overall planning process.
3. Find an estate planning attorney and financial planner who understand your family and have special needs planning experience. It’s important to do your research and ask the right questions when searching for professionals. They should be able to provide you with the necessary support and guidance, helping you navigate through the complexities of the planning process.
Mapping out these three elements is a great start to preparing to create a more comprehensive special needs estate plan. You can do that in our online Special Needs Estate Planning Masterclass that provides you with a course and workbook to gather all of your resources, create a comprehensive financial outline, and more! Plus, you can save 50% on the course with the code: PARENTING
Visit our Special Needs Academy website for more details: https://enroll.specialneedsfamilyservices.com