Peck Ritchey, LLC > Special Needs Planning > Disabled Minors Planning

Chicago Disabled Minors Planning Attorney

Planning for the future is a tricky endeavor that requires a great deal of work and patience to be successful. Adding the need to plan for someone’s care is simply another level of stress. Parents with disabled children should have in place provisions that ensure the quality of life of the child upon their turning 18 or upon the untimely death of the child’s legal guardians. By making provisions that guarantee legal, financial, and medical security for the disabled individual, parents can guarantee that their child has a smooth transition into a new phase of his or her life.

At Peck Ritchey, LLC, we understand that any planning for a disabled minor may feel unpleasant, but our experienced Chicago special needs trust planning attorneys can help you navigate the legal and financial complexities of ensuring your child is well taken care of should something happen to you. Our experience working in special needs planning has helped many others and we can assist you in making a long-term plan tailored to the needs of your family.

Making Arrangements for a Disabled Minor

Although making arrangements for future care can be difficult and stressful, it is a necessary and greatly beneficial decision. Three important considerations for long-term care in the future include:

  • Arranging for necessary care: It is crucial to take into account the level of disability for which the minor requires care. If it is an accelerating disability, it may be necessary to make arrangements for him or her to live in a community or with a full-time caretaker to assist with everyday activities and errands. It can often be a great source of solace for parents or guardians to know that, no matter what happens, their child will have someone to care for them.
  • Financial security: The goal of a special needs trust is to provide a physically and/or mentally disabled individual with both financial security as well as government benefits. These trusts are designed for beneficiaries with disabilities and, especially in the case of minors, allow a trustee to leave money or property to a loved one with a disability without jeopardizing their eligibility for SSI or Medicaid.
  • Guardianship rights: Once a child reaches age of 18, he or she is considered legally competent, regardless of actually ability. Upon coming of age, the child’s parents are frozen out of medical treatment decisions, money management, and government benefits are not ensured. In the process of planning for a disabled child’s care, it needs to be specified that the minor’s parents or guardians continue to have executive authority, even when the child comes of age.

To ensure that the above protection is provided for a disabled minor, it is crucial that you have a skilled and experienced attorney assist in the process. Making these arrangements can be confusing and they are too critical to be handled without input and assistance.

Contact a Chicago Disabled Minors Planning Attorney

At the Peck Ritchey, LLC, we recognize that providing your loved ones with the tools for the best life possible is the best gift you can give them. Our special needs planning team has the extensive knowledge and experience necessary to help you and your family plan for the future. For a free confidential consultation, call our attorneys at (312) 201-0900 to discuss your situation and explore your options.

Testimonials

Attorney Kyle Fahey handled our matter with skill and professionalism, and was always responsive. 10/10, would work with him and the firm again.

–Jon T.

The peace of mind that Peck Ricthey's office has given me is worth every penny. The services they provided me and my family in an emergency medical situation is beyond outstanding. Last minute notice, Peter Brady and team were compassionate, understanding and most importantly efficient and got the job done. Look no further if you have any needs that this office can provide for you. Definitely in good hands! Thank you, a thousand times over for all of your help.

–Christine K.

Very responsive and knowledgeable at handling our brother’s estate. Would definitely recommend!

–Ralph C.

I solicited Peck Ritchey, LLC for assistance with a living trust for which I became the beneficiary. I needed assistance with understanding the details of how it all worked. However, I was especially concerned because there were threats of allegations made by family members and a lawsuit was filed against me. I needed a solid professional who had my best interests in mind. Peter Brady took my case and he managed it flawlessly. He explained everything in a way I could understand, he knew the law inside and out, he was always available to answer questions, and even offer support when things seemed like they could become extremely problematic. In addition to this, he had a plan. He navigated the course as if he already knew the next move by the opposing attorney. He made me feel like everything was in control and that’s because he knew exactly what he was doing and he consulted with me about everything. We ended up settling out of court and ultimately the court officially dismissed the lawsuit. I honestly believe if it wasn’t for Peter and his expertise this could have gone in an entirely different direction. Peter did a stellar job and I couldn’t be more pleased and impressed with his performance.

–John T.

Tim Ritchey is as smart, honest, and genuine as they come. He truly puts helping people above making money. If you have a need, don’t hesitate to hire him.

–Jay T.

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