This question is even more pressing today for the over six million families in which a child with a disability lives at home or in a neighboring community. Through pain, persistence, and love, they have learned over the years how to support a child in the many challenges faced each day. Life planning, supported by sound financial and legal planning, is an answer. It is one of the most important things loving parents can do to help ensure the future welfare of their child who has a disability. The loss of parents can be devastating, and can only be magnified when a parent is the primary source of emotional, physical, financial, and psychological support.
Life planning goes beyond planning for a parent's death or disability.
Proper planning may reduce or eliminate the need for a guardian or conservator. It can also allow people who have disabilities an opportunity to have their wishes respected and to participate in making life decisions. Finding a specialized attorney One of the first challenges facing families who begin the life planning process is to locate an attorney who has the necessary skills and experience in working with people who have special needs. Many State Bar Associations maintain lists of members who belong to the estate planning divisions. However, this may only indicate that they have general expertise in estate planning.