Special Needs Planning

A guardian ad litem (GAL) is not the same as a legal guardian. A legal guardian has ongoing authority over a person's life. A GAL has a narrower job: investigating, reporting, and advocating within the bounds of a single legal proceeding.

Learn what supported living services are, who they help, what supports are included, how Medicaid HCBS waivers may pay, and how to find and evaluate programs for adults with disabilities.

Accessible housing means having a home you can enter, move around in, and use safely day to day and in an emergency. For many people with disabilities, accessible housing can be the difference between living independently and needing daily assistance...

A special needs trust can allow individuals with special needs to preserve assets that will enhance their quality of life while allowing them to remain eligible for needs-based public benefits like Medicaid and SSI.

Special Needs 101

Funds held in a properly drafted special needs trust will not affect a SSI or Medicaid recipient's benefits. However, funds disbursed in a manner that violates SSI or Medicaid rules can impact these benefits.

Special Needs 101

What is special needs planning, and what options can help people with disabilities? You can protect children or adults with disabilities and ensure they have everything they need to have a safe and happy life.

Special Needs 101

If your child has special needs, a standard estate plan may not be adequate for your family. Here are several must-have documents.

Special Needs 101

Beneficiaries of programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid may be at risk of losing their benefits if they receive an inheritance or settlement money. What should you do in this situation?...

Special Needs 101

Guardianship can provide parents of children with special needs a way to protect their child's financial and medical wellbeing even after they have turned 18. Learn how guardianship works and the court process.

Special Needs 101