Honoring World Autism Month: How Estate Planning Supports Families with Disabilities

This April, as we celebrate World Autism Month, we honor the resilience of those fighting for equality, families caring for individuals with special needs, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them through thoughtful, personalized planning.

When it comes to caring for a loved one with disabilities, there are a lot of moving parts—from navigating government benefits, to planning for long-term care, to balancing the needs of multiple children. Estate planning (or as we like to call it, life planning) becomes an essential tool in coordinating these pieces and bringing peace of mind to families who already carry so much.

Many parents find that thinking about the future is the scariest part. Advisors, attorneys, and financial professionals play a critical role in managing that uncertainty. A well-rounded estate plan, aligned with a financial plan, helps ensure that the right tools are in place today and into the future. That includes special needs trusts, powers of attorney, guardianship decisions, and insurance protections.

For children with disabilities, a Special Needs Trust is a key element of the plan. This type of trust is designed to provide financial support without disqualifying the individual from vital government benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It can include assets such as gifts, inheritance, or settlements and allows for the appointment of a trustee who will manage the funds according to the child’s needs, even after the parents are gone.

Planning also means selecting the right person to step in if a parent passes away—a decision that can be both emotionally and practically challenging. Legal planning helps ease that burden by defining roles and protecting against future uncertainty.

The truth is, families caring for loved ones with special needs already carry a heavy load. A strong estate and financial plan doesn’t just protect assets—it eases pressure, creates clarity, and brings lasting peace of mind.

At the Law Offices of Mark F. Moss, we’re proud to walk beside families on this journey. If you have questions about planning for a loved one with special needs, give us a call at 904-329-7242 or visit markmosslaw.com to start the conversation.

Because the future shouldn’t feel scary—it should feel secure.