While we realize some issues may be very difficult to talk about, it is important to lay the groundwork for your child’s life. As a parent and father of three special needs children, I understand the fear of the future and the challenges of the present. I also understand that the only way to reduce these fears is to create a plan ensuring the safety and quality of our children's lives.
Getting started is easy
Let Special Planning help you get critical information and guidance you need to start planning wisely for your child's future happiness.
If you have decided to start planning but have not yet begun . . .
If you have no plan in motion yet, the first step is to let us help you connect with a Planner. This is done by completing the Client Intake Form that can be submitted via e-mail to Special Planning. If you are more comfortable, you may also call Special Planning and an associate will help you complete the form over the phone. We will then match you with a Planner who can answer your questions and set up an initial appointment. This initial meeting is to listen to your needs and understand how we can best help you.
There is absolutely NO OBLIGATION during this initial contact.
If you have started preliminary planning . . .
If you have some of the preliminary planning in motion, but are unsure of the next step, contact us. We can assist you at any and every step of the process. In order to assess your goals and needs, we would request that you provide us with certain information.
Listed below are some of the documents that we might need in order to complete this process, if you have them available.
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Copy of your Special Needs Trust
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Copy of your Will
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Copy of your Power of Attorney
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Copy of all your investments including your retirement plans
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Copy of any life insurance policies
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Copy of homeowners’ insurance policy
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Copy of any Letter of Intent or instructions about your child’s wellbeing
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Instructions for your child’s estate
If you want to learn more about planning . . .
You may contact us to request a Getting Started Packet or click here to download. This helpful packet has been compiled to provide you more information about planning for your child in general and includes articles that give you insight into some of the specifics of planning for a special needs child.
Specifically, the packet includes "Planning for the Future" by William J. Parker, The National Fragile X Quarterly, Spring/Summer 2004; "In The Blink Of An Eye: Special Needs Planning" by Constance Stone, Stepping Stone Financial, Inc.; A profile of William Parker, "Special Needs, Special Advisor" by Karen DeMasters, Financial Advisor, November 2006 pgs. 152-153; Executive Suite profile of William Parker, "Learning" by Barbara Trainin Blank, Business to Business, October 2006 pgs. 12 - 13; and a copy of the Special Planning LLC brochure which explains our services.
If you have a plan for your child in place already . . .
Your life is dynamic and changes over time. The laws that affect a Special Needs Trust are likewise constantly changing. Because of this, it is important to review your estate at least every three years to make any necessary changes or updates.
