St. Louis Special Needs Planning Lawyer

Having a child or family member with special needs can be an overwhelming experience. Knowing that they need additional care and support to live their best life can be challenging, especially regarding legal matters. It’s one of the reasons why having a qualified, experienced St. Louis special needs planning attorney is the secret to successful planning.

Welcome to Stange Law Firm, where we specialize in helping individuals with disabilities and their families navigate the complex world of special needs planning. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to helping our clients secure the benefits and support they need to live independent, fulfilling lives.

As a leading special needs planning lawyer in the St. Louis area, we understand the unique challenges that disabled individuals and their families face when it comes to long-term care planning. We are committed to helping our clients develop comprehensive plans that address their specific needs and goals and provide the guidance and support they need to navigate the legal landscape. Connect with us today to get started.

Why Special Needs Planning Is Essential for Disabled Individuals and Their Families

Special needs planning is essential to financial and estate planning for families with disabled individuals. It involves taking proactive steps to ensure that the individual’s needs are met both now and in the future, regardless of the family’s financial circumstances or the availability of government benefits. Many considerations go into special needs planning, including:

• Protecting the individual’s financial assets and eligibility for government benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.
• Establishing a special needs trust to manage the individual’s financial resources and provide for their long-term care needs.
• Planning for the individual’s future care, including selecting a guardian or power of attorney and developing a care plan.
• Ensuring that the individual’s wishes and preferences are respected and considered in all decisions affecting their care.

The Benefits of Special Needs Planning

Special needs planning provides numerous benefits for disabled individuals and their families. Some of the key benefits include:

• Peace of mind. Special needs planning allows families to plan for the future confidently, knowing that their loved one’s needs will be met no matter what the future holds.
• Financial security. By protecting the individual’s financial assets and eligibility for government benefits, special needs planning helps ensure they have the resources to live independently and participate in their communities.
• Independence. Special needs planning empowers disabled individuals to make decisions about their care and live on their own terms.
• Support for caregivers. Special needs planning can help to alleviate the burden on family caregivers, who often struggle to balance the demands of caring for a disabled family member with their own personal and professional obligations.

Common Myths About Special Needs Planning

Several common myths about special needs planning can cause confusion and misunderstandings for those seeking to plan for the future of a loved one with special needs. Here are a few of these myths.

Myth: Special needs planning is only for people with severe disabilities.

Fact: Special needs planning is important for anyone with a disability, no matter how mild or severe. It is crucial to consider the long-term needs of a person with a disability and to put a plan in place to ensure those needs are met.

Myth: Special Needs Planning Is Only for Wealthy Families

Fact: Special needs planning is important for families of all income levels. While financial resources can play a role in the types of planning options available, many options are available to families regardless of their financial situation.

Myth: Special Needs Planning Is Only for Parents of Children With Disabilities

Fact: Special needs planning is important for people of all ages with disabilities. It is never too early or too late to start planning for the future.

Myth: Special Needs Planning Is Complicated and Overwhelming

Fact: While special needs planning can involve a lot of different considerations, it does not have to be overwhelming or intimidating. Working with a knowledgeable attorney or financial planner can help make the process easier and more manageable.

Myth: Special Needs Planning Is a One-Time Event

Fact: Special needs planning is an ongoing process that should be regularly reviewed and updated as needed. As the needs of the individual with a disability change over time, the plan should be adjusted to meet those changing needs.

Myth: Special Needs Trusts Are the Only Option for Special Needs Planning

Fact: Special needs trusts are one option for special needs planning, but they are not the only option. Other options include designating a power of attorney, creating a guardianship or conservatorship, setting up a disability-related savings account, and other estate planning activities.

Myth: Special Needs Planning Is Only Necessary if the Individual With a Disability Will Be Receiving Government Benefits

Fact: Special needs planning is important even if the individual with a disability will not receive government benefits. Consider the individual’s long-term needs and put a plan in place to ensure that those needs are met, regardless of whether or not the individual will be receiving government benefits.

Why Choose Stange Law Firm for Your Special Needs Planning Needs?

At Stange Law Firm, we are committed to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcomes when it comes to special needs planning. Our team of experienced attorneys has a deep understanding of the legal and financial issues involved in special needs planning, and we work with all our clients to put together plans that meet their particular needs and goals.

We also understand the importance of staying up to date on the latest developments in special needs planning, and we make it a priority to stay informed about the latest laws, regulations, and best practices in this area.

If you or a loved one needs special needs planning, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Stange Law Firm. We are here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the benefits and support you need to live a fulfilling, independent life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

Greene County, St. Louis Office : 901 E. St. Louis, Suite 404, Springfield, Missouri 65806