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Question: My husband & I are working on a will, but the first lawyer we contacted decided that she was not able to help us with our estate planning because we need a special needs trust worked into the will for one of our three kids. Our middle child has Opitz Syndrome and MR, and will likely never live independently. I noticed two law offices listed on this website, but does anyone have a personal recommendation for us? Thank you friend!

posted by Pam

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There is a book called "Planning for the Future: Providing Meaningful Life for a Child w/a Disability after Your Death" by Russell,Grant,Joseph, Fee that you may find useful. In Chap 6 "Trusts for Beneficiaries w/Disabilities" I don't think you have to have a specialist lawyer, just know what you need in the trust. Number One: the disabled should never have direct money/inheritance that will render disability ineligible for gvmt benefits. Through a trustee, manage the money for the child/adult, paying bills, contracting care etc.. Allows the trust property to bypass probate proceedings which can be lengthy...So; a VERY trustworthy person/persons (could even include the bank) to be responsible and consider another check person to be a 'watchdog' of the trust. Hope you find the book! Copyright 1993 Russell and Grant. Best of luck and blessings to your family. Deb

posted by wolfgreenlake

My husband and I used Holly Gillman to draw up our two mentally handicapped adult children's special needs trust . We also used her to obtain guardianship for them both. We found her to be extremely knowledgeable concerning everything on special needs adults and children. I know that the ARC of the Capitol will also help with issues of guardianship and wills etc. and they do so on a sliding scale for payment. Good luck and be prepared, it can take up to a year to get everything done as Austin only has two Judges that handle these cases.

posted by Kez