Maria O. Keller – Exploring The Essentials of Special Needs Planning

Imagine sailing through the vast ocean of life, charting your course with confidence. Suddenly, you hit rough waters. For families with loved ones who have special needs, those rough waters can feel overwhelming. For instance, you’re a parent, and your child has special needs. You’re their superhero, their rock, their everything. But what happens when you’re no longer around to protect and provide for them? How will they manage their finances and maintain the best possible quality of life?

That’s where special needs planning comes into play, offering guidance and support in uncertain seas.

So, what exactly is special needs planning? Maria O. Keller, an experienced attorney specializing in special needs planning, defines it as “having a customized roadmap for the future—a blueprint tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.” In simpler terms, it ensures that individuals with disabilities continue to receive the care and support they need long after their caretakers or guardians are gone.

Special needs planning encompasses various aspects, from financial and legal considerations to lifetime care planning. It’s about anticipating challenges and proactively addressing them to ensure a secure and fulfilling life for your loved one.

Let’s break down special needs planning further to better understand it with expert insights from Keller.

Financial planning is a key part of special needs planning. It involves setting up special needs trusts, managing assets, and identifying sources of income to provide ongoing financial support. Keller underlines how this approach guarantees that your loved one has access to the resources they need without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

Legal protections are also essential. Establishing guardianship arrangements, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives ensures that decisions can be made on behalf of the individual if they become incapacitated. Additionally, Keller asserts that estate planning, including drafting a will and designating trustees, ensures that your loved one’s affairs are managed according to your wishes after you’re no longer able to do so.

But, according to Keller, special needs planning goes beyond just financial and legal matters. It’s about creating a comprehensive plan for your loved one’s long-term care needs. This includes identifying suitable housing, healthcare access, and ensuring access to educational and vocational opportunities.

So, through meticulous planning, you can resolve any potential financial and legal issues your loved one with special needs may face when left alone to face the cruel world. It builds a foundation for a secure future, ensuring that your loved one has access to the medical and other resources they need to live a fulfilling life. It provides peace of mind, knowing that your loved one will be taken care of even when you’re no longer around.

But here’s the thing: special needs planning isn’t something you can do on your own. With its complexities and challenges, it requires the expertise of experienced attorneys. Keller understands the unique challenges families face, and she’s dedicated to providing the guidance and support they need to navigate these waters with confidence.

At Forsyth Law Firm, Keller and her team work closely with families to develop personalized plans that address their specific needs and goals. Whether it’s setting up a special needs trust or advocating for access to essential services, Keller claims to be committed to helping families secure a brighter future for their loved ones.

So, if you have a loved one with special needs, don’t wait until it’s too late. Take the plunge into special needs planning and ensure that your loved one’s future is safeguarded. With the expertise of attorneys like Maria O Keller, you can sail through life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that you’re prepared for whatever lies ahead.