As much of a joy it is to be a parent of a child with disabilities, it also comes with the reality of thinking about, and planning for, things we’d probably choose not to if we had the option. What happens when our kids with disabilities turn 18? Or what would happen if we weren’t around? Nope, nothing feel-good about that.
How do we keep our kids safe — financially, socially, and otherwise — while also fostering their independence?
Tackling these realities of life can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start, how much it will cost, or what your options are. Or, because you’re human and coming to terms with huge milestones in life, like our children (and ourselves) growing, up is a bit terrifying. While we’d blissfully put these decisions off for another day, month, lifetime, this week, we’re diving in — from estate planning to special needs trusts to supported decision-making, and more.
Future and financial planning: here’s where to start:
- “Supported decision-making is about building a community around the person to support them where they want it,” says Suzanne Bennett Francisco, Co-Director of the Supported Decision-Making California Advocacy Project for Disability Voices United. Read the article Supported Decision-Making 101 to learn more.
- “Is pursuing a conservatorship the right thing to do for my child, and if so, how does it work and where do I begin?” Our article Conservatorships (Limited and Full) in California can help answer these questions (and provide you tons of parent tips!).
- Ready to talk about estate planning? Our article will help you prepare you to make sure that, if you’re not around, the wheels of your family keep on turning. Read it here in The Basics of Estate Planning for Young Families & Families with Dependent Children.
- Some things in life should not be left to chance, and the financial security of your child with disabilities is one of them. Read all about special needs trusts — including funding, trustees, and more — in Special Needs Trusts: The Basics.
- Do you know the difference between a special needs trust and an ABLE account? Read all about it, and explore what your family may need, in our article ABLE Accounts and Creating a Special Needs Trust in California.
This week’s parent win: clients are getting more respite care!
In need of more respite hours? One of our Navigators helped her client get 60 HOURS of respite! Along with these additional hours and our step-by-step guides, the client said she’s loving the detailed information and resources she’s able to get from her Undivided Navigator.
Undivided Conversations: Estate Planning with Brianna Davidson Jarrett
In our next installment of Undivided Conversations, we sat down with Assistant Attorney General of Maryland and former estate attorney Brianna Davidson Jarrett (featured in our articles above!) to talk all about estate planning and building a better financial future. Check out our full conversation here on Undivided’s YouTube page.
Don’t forget utility discounts for medical equipment in your financial planning! Check it out on Instagram→- Does your child have a CalABLE savings account? Learn why to set one up. Watch on YouTube→
- Have a “parent win” or success story to share? We’d love to hear it! Join our parents-only group on Facebook→
- Easily share past Undivided newsletters with friends and coworkers on our LinkedIn page. Connect with us on LinkedIn→
- When it comes to financial planning for your child’s future, where should you even start? Get 1:1 support from an Undivided Navigator. Start here→
…
This newsletter was originally sent to our subscribers on 7/13/23. Subscribe to our newsletter to get more resources like this in your inbox, or check out our full library of articles, templates, and videos at undivided.io/resources.
