Federal Consumer Information Center Planning for Your Special Needs

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Planning for your Special Needs Child

This Life Advice(r) pamphlet about Planning For Your Special Needs Child was produced by the MetLife Consumer Education Center and reviewed by the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Exceptional Parent Magazine. Editorial services provided by Meredith Integrated Marketing.

Table of Contents Planning for the Future Guardianships and Conservatorships Special Needs Trusts Planning for Financial Needs Savings and Finding Financial Aid Planning for Medical Needs Planning for Educational Needs Helpful Links and More Information

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Parenting a special needs child takes special planning. Particular needs will always be present, and you must consider and prepare for them. Taking steps now can help arrange for your child's well being today and tomorrow. Areas you should consider include your child's legal, financial, medical and educational needs.

Planning for the Future Addressing legal issues is a crucial step in planning for the future. Creating and planning your estate is vital to meeting your child's lifetime needs. These issues fall into three main categories: wills (discussed below), guardianships and special needs trusts. Last Will and Testament A will declares how you want your estate to be distributed when you die. It also allows you to select a guardian for your child after you die.

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Guardianships & Conservatorships* A guardianship or conservatorship* is a legal mechanism that grants an adult legal power to make decisions for another person, one who is considered incapable of making decisions himself or herself. In the case of a minor child, generally guardianship or conservatorship will terminate when the child turns 18, or, in some states, upon marriage if the child marries before age 18. There are also different types of guardianship or conservatorship, each of which grants the guardian or conservator different powers. A "natural guardian" generally refers to a parent. In most cases, a natural guardian has custodial rights but only limited rights to control the assets of a child. "Guardianship of the person" is similar to custody. A "guardian ad litum" is often appointed only for the limited purposes of litigation. "Guardian of the estate" or "guardian of the property" or "conservator" usually refers to someone appointed to manage assets of and make financial decisions for the person deemed incapable. When your child turns 18, he or she may need a guardian or conservator to manage some aspects of his or her life. General Conservatorship or Guardianship of the Person and Estate This type of conservatorship or guardianship typically provides full decision-making powers — with respect to finances, medical decisions, living arrangements, etc. — for a person deemed to be unable to make decisions or perform necessary tasks on his or her own. Limited Conservatorship or Guardianship Powers of a conservator or guardian can often be limited to reflect the needs of the incapacitated or disabled individual, and laws in a number of states specifically provide for the appointment of a limited conservator or guardian for certain individuals with developmental disabilities.** These types of arrangements are often used in special needs cases. A limited conservator or limited guardian is appropriate for individuals whose conditions impair their ability to care for themselves or their property, but not to the extent that a general conservatorship or full guardianship is required. For example, California law provides that a limited conservator may be appointed only:

For adults who have a developmental disability When a court finds that the conservatee lacks the capacity to perform some, but not all, of the tasks necessary for personal needs or to manage financial resources. A limited conservatorship or limited guardianship encourages maximum self-reliance and independence of the developmentally disabled adult by giving the conservator or guardian power only over those activities that the individual is unable to handle. * Use of terms such as guardian or conservator and their meanings vary according to state. You should seek the advice of your own legal counsel to determine whether these kinds of mechanisms are available in your state and applicable to your own circumstances. ** Developmental disabilities generally are severe, chronic disabilities attributable to mental and/or physical impairments which manifest before age 22 and are likely to continue indefinitely. They result in substantial limitations in three or more areas: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living and economic self-sufficiency, as well as the continuous need for individually planned and coordinated services. LETTER OF INTENT A letter of intent is another important document parents should have. Although not legally binding, this document provides direction for the person or persons who will care for your child. The letter should detail your child's medical history, daily care needs, housing and services, as well as your specific wishes and expectations as they relate to your child's future. It is a working document for the future caregiver to follow. One of the best ways to get started developing this letter is to think of a day in the life of your child. What are his or her habits? What are his or her routines? What makes him or her upset? Share the letter of intent with the person(s) who will be caring for your child. Discuss it. If you aren't comfortable that they share your views or that they are willing to respect them, you may want to reconsider your choice. A letter of intent is often the most important part of the plan.

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