Estate Planning

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day

By Jennifer Sawday

Bob Kraft, an attorney from Texas, has posted great links regarding World Autism Awareness Day. Autism is a topic on the forefront of many parents either as a reality or on their minds as they raise their children. Newsweek also reported on this topic in a recent issue.

What is autism doing on an estate planning blog? Well, parents of autistic children should have their estate plans in place for more reasons than just one --

1. Nominate guardians for their children in case something happens to them. See our recent post on this issue and its importance here.

2. Consider whether your autistic child should be protected with a special needs trust either as a separate trust or part of your own living trust. Your estate planning attorney can discuss the pros and cons of a special needs trust based on your situation.

3. Put in place a care plan for your autistic child's needs and other important information for caregivers or alternate guardians in case something happens to you.

If something happens to you, your child may not understand either due to their young age or special needs.  Consult with an estate planning attorney to see how you can get your estate plan put in place to protect your children.

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Estate Planning, Probate and Trusts involve complex areas of law. Individual circumstances must be considered before any advice can be given.  The general information above is not to be construed as legal advice, which can only be given after consideration of the unique facts of each matter. Please seek the advice or counsel of your attorney, financial advisor or CPA as it may be appropriate.

Full post as published by Estate Planning Practice Blog on April 02, 2008 (boomark / email).