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Award Winning Registered Investment Advisor*

Award Winning Registered Investment Advisor*

Guide to Special Needs Trusts

Securing Your Loved One’s Future

Planning for a loved one with special needs can be overwhelming…

At Falcon Wealth Planning, we understand the complexities involved and are here to guide you every step of the way.

What is a Special Needs Trust?

A Special Needs Trust is a legal tool that ensures financial resources for individuals with disabilities without jeopardizing their access to essential government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

What Types of Special Needs Trusts Are There?

There are three main types of Special Needs Trusts:

 

  • Third-Party Special Needs Trust: Funded by someone other than the person with disabilities, like a parent or guardian.
  • First-Party Special Needs Trust: Funded using the disabled individual’s own assets, such as savings or an inheritance.
  • Pooled Trust: Managed by a nonprofit organization that combines resources from multiple families to reduce costs.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer for a Special Needs Trust?

Setting up a Special Needs Trust involves complex legal steps, and even a small error can have significant consequences. Our advisors work alongside trusted special needs attorneys to ensure every detail is in place, protecting your family’s future.

Choosing the Right Trustee and Guardian

Choosing a trustee to manage the trust and a guardian for your loved one’s specific needs is crucial. You need someone who is trustworthy, organized, and deeply understands your child’s specific needs. We’ll help you make these important decisions and regularly review them to ensure they align with your family’s evolving situation.
Remember, we tell our clients YOU are the expert in your own life. We will ask you a lot of questions to provide you with our education, experience, and expertise so you know what is possible.

Crafting a Letter of Intent

A Letter of Intent is your opportunity to share detailed instructions for your loved one’s care, from daily routines to medical needs and personal preferences. Although it’s not legally binding, this document serves as a valuable guide for the trustee and guardian, ensuring your family’s wishes are honored.

Consider an ABLE Account

An ABLE account allows individuals with disabilities to save money in a tax-advantaged account without losing eligibility for government benefits, up to a limitation. For example, If you contribute more than $100,000 to an ABLE account, you may lose benefits. That’s why it’s important to speak with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional with a ChSNC designation to guide you on how to best navigate your special needs savings strategy. ABLE accounts are perfect for covering a range of disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation.

What Is a Chartered Special Needs Consultant®?

The specialized ChSNC® designation means that our advisors are equipped with the advanced knowledge and compassion needed to navigate special needs planning. This expertise allows advisors like Nicky Amore, CFP®, ChSNC® to create tailored strategies that ensure your loved ones receive the best possible care and financial support.

 

Additional Resources for Families with Special Needs

  • Hire Heroes USA: Supports U.S. veterans and their spouses in finding meaningful careers. Learn more at Hire Heroes USA.
  • ABLE Accounts: Savings and investment accounts specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. Learn more at the ABLE National Resource Center

Secure Your Family’s Future Today

Don’t navigate special needs planning alone. Let Falcon Wealth Planning guide you through every step of the process with honesty, ethics, and compassion. Fill out the form to book your free assessment and start planning for a brighter future for your loved ones today.