Estate planning in Texas, same as other states, is the process of arranging for the management and distribution of an individual’s assets and properties after their death. It involves creating a plan that outlines how a person’s assets and properties will be distributed to their beneficiaries, how taxes and debts will be paid, and how their affairs will be handled if they become incapacitated or pass away. Estate planning can include the creation of legal documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, as well as the use of various strategies to minimize taxes and maximize the value of the estate. The goal of estate planning is to ensure that an individual’s assets are transferred to their intended beneficiaries in a manner that is efficient, cost-effective, and minimizes disputes among family members.
For Texans with special needs children, estate planning is even more critical. Parents of special needs children often face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. Special needs children require extra care and attention throughout their lives, and parents need to ensure that they have adequate resources to provide for them even after they are gone. While it is possible to create an estate plan for children with special needs without a lawyer, it is highly recommended that you work with an experienced estate planning attorney. Special needs planning can be complex and requires a thorough understanding of federal and state laws, regulations, and benefits programs.
Moreover, an experienced attorney can provide you with personalized advice and guidance on how to protect your assets and provide for your child’s needs in the most effective way possible. This is why the Law Office of Bryan Fagan and its qualified attorneys are in business to help clients in this position. An attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities of special needs planning, including creating a special needs trust, choosing a trustee, selecting appropriate beneficiaries, and making sure that your plan complies with state and federal laws.
Texas Laws Regarding Special Needs Children
Texas has laws and regulations that address the needs of individuals with disabilities, including special needs children. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides guidance and support to school districts and parents of special needs children. The TEA’s Special Education rules and regulations provide guidance on the assessment, identification, and education of students with disabilities, including special needs children.
Additionally, Texas has laws and regulations that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and other areas. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) provides services and support to individuals with disabilities and their families, including Medicaid and other financial assistance programs.
In the context of estate planning, Texas has laws that allow parents to create special needs trusts to provide for their special needs children without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits such as Medicaid and SSI. Texas law also allows parents to name a guardian for their special needs child in their will or other estate planning documents. The appointed guardian will be responsible for making decisions about the child’s care and managing their finances if the parent is no longer able to do so.
Estate Planning Strategies for Special Needs Children
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Understand the Unique Needs of Your Child
The first step in estate planning for special needs children is to understand their unique needs. It is essential to evaluate your child’s current and future needs and plan accordingly. Special needs children require ongoing care and support, which can be expensive. Parents should consider their child’s medical, educational, and daily living expenses when creating an estate plan.
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Identify Your Estate Planning Goals
The second step is to identify your estate planning goals. You should consider what you want to achieve with your estate plan, such as ensuring that your child has adequate financial support or providing for their ongoing medical care. Your estate planning goals will guide you in determining the best approach to take when creating your plan.
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Review Your Estate Plan Regularly
It is essential to review your estate plan regularly. As your child’s needs change, you may need to update your estate plan accordingly. It is recommended that you review your estate plan every three to five years or after any significant life event, such as a divorce, marriage, or the birth of a child.
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Create a Special Needs Trust
One of the most effective estate planning strategies for parents with special needs children is to create a special needs trust. A special needs trust is designed to provide financial support to a special needs individual while preserving their eligibility for government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The trust assets can be used to pay for the child’s medical care, education, housing, and other expenses that may not be covered by government benefits. Parents can appoint a trustee to manage the trust and make distributions to the child as needed.
Types of Special Needs Trusts in Texas
A special needs trust allows parents to provide for their children’s ongoing care and support while also preserving their eligibility for government benefits. In Texas, there are different types of special needs trusts that families can consider. Here are some of them:
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First-Party Special Needs Trust
A first-party special needs trust is also known as a self-settled trust. This type of trust is established with the special needs individual’s assets, such as an inheritance, personal injury settlement, or other funds. The trust is used to manage and protect these assets while also providing for the individual’s ongoing care and support. The trust must include specific language to comply with federal and state law to preserve the individual’s eligibility for government benefits.
The primary benefit of a first-party special needs trust is that it allows the disabled individual to receive assets without losing their eligibility for government benefits. The trust funds can be used to supplement the individual’s government benefits and improve their quality of life. This can include paying for medical bills, transportation, education, and other expenses that are not covered by government benefits.
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Third-Party Special Needs Trust
A third-party special needs trust is established with assets that do not belong to the special needs individual. Instead, it is set up with funds or assets from a family member or other third party. This type of trust can be used to provide for the special needs individual’s ongoing care and support, while also preserving their eligibility for government benefits. Unlike a first-party trust, a third-party trust does not require repayment to Medicaid upon the beneficiary’s death.
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Pooled Trusts
A pooled trust is a type of special needs trust that is managed by a non-profit organization. The trust pools the resources of multiple beneficiaries to invest and manage them. Pooled trusts are an option for individuals who do not have enough assets to establish an individual trust. Pooled trusts are managed by professional trustees who have experience managing special needs trusts and investing the trust assets.
When a beneficiary joins a pooled special needs trust, they transfer their assets into the trust. The trust assets are then managed by the pooled trust administrator, who invests them on behalf of the beneficiaries. Each beneficiary has a separate account within the trust, and the trust administrator makes distributions to each beneficiary according to their needs. The pooled trust administrator also manages the trust’s accounting and tax reporting.
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Testamentary Special Needs Trust
A testamentary special needs trust is a type of trust that is established through a will. It goes into effect only after the death of the person who established it. This type of trust can be useful if a parent or other family member wants to leave assets to a special needs individual but is concerned about preserving their eligibility for government benefits.
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Qualified Income Trusts (QITs)
A Qualified Income Trust (QIT), also known as a Miller Trust, is a special type of trust designed for Medicaid recipients who have income above the Medicaid eligibility threshold. The trust is used to hold the excess income and bring the individual’s income down to the Medicaid eligibility level, allowing them to continue receiving benefits. QITs are often used in nursing home planning for Medicaid recipients.
The primary benefit of a QIT is that it allows individuals to qualify for Medicaid when their income exceeds the state’s Medicaid eligibility limit. This can be particularly helpful for individuals with special needs who require significant medical care. Another benefit of a QIT is that it can protect an individual’s assets from being depleted by medical expenses. Without a QIT, an individual’s income would have to be used to pay for their medical care, which could quickly deplete their savings.
Other Related Posts
- Special Needs Trusts: What they are and how they can impact your Texas divorce
- Custody of a special-needs child: Things to know
- 3 ways to help your special needs child through divorce
- How can custody of your special needs child in Texas effect asset division?
- Special needs children could have an impact on alimony
- Costs associated with raising special needs children
- Special needs parents should explore unusual custody strategies
- Minimizing the negative impact of a divorce on special needs kids
- How Should Divorce, Child Support, And Custody Be Handled For Parents Of Special Needs Children?
- Testamentary Special Needs Trusts
- Children with Special Needs and Custody Arrangements in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide
- Texas Estate Planning, Divorce and Protecting Assets
- How could your divorce impact your estate plan in Texas?
- Texas Family Law and Divorce Strategies For Beginners
FAQs
You should choose someone you trust, who has experience managing trusts, and who is committed to providing for your child’s needs. It is also recommended that you choose someone who will be around for the long-term, as your special needs child may require care and support for many years.
If you pass away, the proceeds from your life insurance policy can be used to fund your child’s special needs trust. This can ensure that your child has the financial resources they need to pay for their ongoing care and support.
If you don’t have an estate plan in place, your child’s care and support will be left to chance. The court will appoint a guardian to manage your child’s affairs, and they may not have your child’s best interests in mind. This can be especially problematic for special needs children, who require ongoing care and support.
Yes, you can make changes to your estate plan at any time. It is recommended that you review your estate plan every three to five years or after any significant life event, such as a divorce, marriage, or the birth of a child.
If you don’t have an estate plan for your special needs child, their care and financial support will be left to the court to decide. It is recommended to have an estate plan in place to ensure that your child’s needs are adequately provided for.
Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.
