Protecting A Loved One With Special Needs In Encino
Firm founder Gerald L. Kane deeply understands the anxieties that caregivers face when tending to children with special needs. As a parent of a special needs child himself, he has the personal and professional experience that you deserve to have in your legal advocate.
The lawyer and staff at the Law Offices of Gerald L. Kaneare here to help you obtain the government benefits your loved one may be entitled to receive and identify legal tools that can safeguard their well-being. Mr. Kane supports families caring for loved ones with physical, mental, developmental and neurological conditions, including autism spectrum disorder and other cognitive impairments. He will work closely with you to create a sound plan that addresses your concerns and your loved one’s needs.
Attorney Kane understands that every family’s situation is unique, and his approach prioritizes not just legal compliance but the individual care and dignity of your loved one. Families seeking clarity and reassurance about next steps can benefit from consulting with him early in the planning process.
Should You Consider A Special Needs Trust?
In California, there are government programs that provide financial assistance to those with limited means. Your special needs child may qualify to receive benefits from Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
However, if you wish to give a lump sum of money to your loved one to maintain their lifestyle when you are gone, it can be tricky to make sure that they’ll still remain eligible for these benefits. Your financial gifts may increase your loved one’s income level enough for it to exceed the income allowed, thereby rendering your loved one ineligible for government support.
Establishing a special needs trust can provide a legal workaround for this type of situation. This legal tool enables settlors – the individuals setting up the trust – to create an entity that disburses funds to the loved one, called the trust beneficiary. The funds disbursed are not calculated as income, which allows the loved one to remain eligible for benefits.
California’s trust laws are complex, but attorney Kane has the insight required to help you create, fund and administer a special needs trust. Those looking to protect long-term benefits and financial stability are encouraged to seek guidance before making any major decisions.
Concerned About Selecting A Trustee Or Conservator?
When you are making plans for your loved one’s future, you will need to select individuals to help you protect your loved one’s interests in the event that you are no longer able to do so. Trustees and conservators do just that.
Trustees distribute the trust’s assets, provide accountings of their actions and take other steps to protect the beneficiary’s interests.
Conservators make decisions that affect their ward’s health and welfare. In California, most conservators have limited rights when they are caring for developmentally disabled adults. As a result, these types of conservatorships are called “limited conservatorships.”
As your advocate, attorney Kane can help you assess trustee and conservator options so that you feel confident about the selections that you make.
While it can be overwhelming to make plans for your loved one’s future, you can depend on Mr. Kane to remain by your side throughout your legal journey.
Begin The Conversation Today
Start a conversation with attorney Kane to create a plan that safeguards your loved one’s well-being and eligibility for benefits. For your convenience, you can reach an experienced special needs trust lawyer online or over the phone by calling 818-905-6088. The Law Offices of Gerald L. Kane is located in Encino and serves clients throughout the surrounding area.