If your child has a disability that will affect their ability to support themselves in adulthood, you and your spouse should consider estate planning for your child's future now, during the divorce. Estate planning is a method of planning for the future in the case of incapacitation or death. For parents of a special needs child, estate planning is paramount to ensure your child can inherit from both parents and preserve any government benefits or resources they may be entitled to. If your child will be eligible for government benefits, such as Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), you and your spouse should consider establishing a special needs trust. This trust holds your child's assets in a trust, allowing the trustee (manager of the trust) to distribute funds and assets to your child as needed. It also allows gifts and other monetary assets to be given to your child without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.