Estate planning is important for everyone, but even more so for those with special needs dependents in Louisiana. The majority of individuals with special needs will require care throughout their lives. They need emotional support, financial security, and ongoing physical care to ensure they lead healthy and happy lives. Louisiana residents have the power to make long-term provisions for special needs dependents and execute legal documents that will protect and provide care to their special needs dependents after they are gone. Families can finally have peace of mind knowing that their special needs dependents will be properly cared for and will have financial and medical support for the remainder of their lives.
This article will explain the intricacies of Louisiana estate planning and succession laws that are important to Louisiana residents who have dependents with special needs. There are a wide variety of legal documents that individuals should include in their estate plans, such as will, powers of attorney, end-of-life directives, and special needs trusts. Each document has important features that should be carefully considered before choosing. There are also potential tax implications involved with estate planning which is why it is important to speak with qualified professionals to ensure you have a comprehensive estate plan that covers all potential issues beforehand.
What Legal Documents are Necessary for Special Needs Dependents in Louisiana?
Louisiana is known for having complex and hard-to-understand laws regarding estates and succession. There are a multitude of legal documents that can assist families in this type of situation. One extremely important legal document is a special needs trust drafted by an experienced attorney. Special needs trusts have helped many families with special needs dependents fully articulate their wishes after they die. For example, a special needs trust can appoint someone to manage the financial well-being of your dependents, as well as provide for their continued eligibility for government benefits such as medical, financial, and education. A will is another important document that can dictate how the property will be distributed, including property used for the care of your special needs dependent. A properly draft will can ensure that your dependents receive the property they need to continue living long and healthy lives. You may also opt to draft a power of attorney that can appoint another individual to step in and take over should you ever become incapacitated.
What Government Benefits Can Be Integrated Into an Estate Plan for Families with Special Needs Dependents?
There are a number of government programs that are designed to assist families with special needs dependents and it’s important to take advantage of everything they have to offer. The Louisiana Medicaid program is one such program that provides healthcare for individuals living with special needs. Medicaid can be utilized for medical expenses and long-term care needs, which is common in persons living with special needs. Another important federal program is Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, which provides important financial assistance to families with special needs family members. A special needs trust can ensure that your dependents living with special needs will continue to receive life-saving support without losing their eligibility. The last thing you would want to do is jeopardize your dependent’s chances of receiving these important government benefits. There are other programs to consider such as educational support programs throughout Louisiana, as well as vocational rehabilitation services that they may be able to partake in. Lastly, there are housing assistance programs that are customized for individuals living with special needs.
How to Ensure Your Dependants Are Financially and Medically Secure
The only way to fully ensure that your special needs dependants are secure is by comprehensive estate planning. An experienced attorney can assist clients with proper estate planning and can help them execute the correct legal documents to protect their family members after they die.
Progeny Law Firm helps Louisiana residents with special needs dependents with estate planning in Baton Rouge, LA. Call (225) 465-1090 or contact us online for a free consultation.
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