WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD TURNS 18?
by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., Esquire, CELA When a child becomes 18 years old, he or she becomes an adult. Prior to that time, the child is a minor and his or her parent is also the natural guardian and had the authority to make decisions for that child. What should a parent be thinking…
SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING – PART 2
by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., Esquire, CELA [Here are links to Part 1 and Part 3] An important tool in Special Needs Planning is a Special Needs Trust. This is the fifth tool in the toolbox mentioned in Part 1. Special Needs Trust. A Special Needs Trust is a trust created for a person who…
SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING – PART 1
by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., Esquire, CELA [Here are links to Part 2 and Part3] Special Needs Planning for loved ones with disabilities is extremely important. As long as parents are alive, they will care for their children with disabilities. The problem begins when the parents are gone. Many children with disabilities will be unable…
ADDICTION TRUSTS
by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., Esquire, CELA Unfortunately, many people have children who suffer from various addictions. Typically the addictions are drug or alcohol abuse. If the parent leaves money to the child suffering from those addictions, the money frequently will fuel the addiction making it worse, possibly even leading to death. Additionally the money…