Special Needs Planning & Special Needs Trusts

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What is "Special Needs Planning," exactly?

Individuals with special needs will often require various supports from those outside their families as they enter adulthood.  Our team provides the framework for each aspect of life that parents should consider as they develop a long term plan.  From government benefits to trust planning, guardianship and transition planning, to establishing circles of support to care for your adult child when you are gone.  Our full-service firm can assist you throughout the sometimes confusing and overwhelming process.  We will make sure you have learned about every opportunity possible and planned for various contingencies along the way.

Our roadmap of planning includes a focus on: IEP/ education and transition plans, your child's government benefit eligibility, financial planning, future living options, goals for your child's adult life, a care team who will be in place when you are gone.  We handle trust planning, estate plans, educational advocacy/IEP work, guardianship, government benefits, and life planning.

"Special Needs Planning" can entail much more than just establishing a Special Needs Trust.  Every individual we support is different, and we tailor our services to address each family's priorities.  Our mission is to efficiently provide expert insights and advice to give you peace of mind for the present and the future, long after you are gone.

Because we are a full-service Special Needs Planning firm, we can provide all of a client's special needs legal services under one roof. Our team includes a trust planning attorney, education attorney, guardianship attorney, benefits specialist and nurse paralegal.  Our families tell their story once; provide records and paperwork once; but benefit from a team of different experts throughout their relationship with our firm.

What is a Special Needs Planning Attorney?

Parent's Guide to Planning

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"I recently  met with Katie and her team to review my son’s planning (he’s 17). She had her Firm’s Benefits Specialist, IEP Attorney and Guardianship attorney all meet with me as a team to plan a strategy for supporting my child through the transition years.  I felt so much better after this thorough review, I know what I need to do for my son (not guardianship), which benefits to plan for, and how to establish the record he needs to apply for SSI. Very happy and relieved. Highly recommend. Transition is much more than I thought it was. She's also the mom of a child with special needs. She gets it."

-  Jamie M.

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"We put off establishing a Special Needs Trust for our son, because we were sure it would be very difficult and overwhelming. However, Katie guided us all the way through it in a professional and caring manner. She was also very helpful creating our Legal Will. We thank you, Katie, and highly recommend your expertise and legal knowledge."

- Ken & Kathy D.

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“Katie is a wealth of knowledge, but even more so an empathetic, honest and relatable person and professional. She understands the challenges that families face and cares deeply about equipping caregivers with the information they need to be strong advocates. Katie’s presentations are thorough, user-friendly and always up-to-date. In addition to being incredibly informative, Katie’s sessions provide an opportunity for families to connect when they may have otherwise felt alone.” 

- Clare Killy, Aspire Manager of Inclusive Solutions 

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 “Katie is knowledgeable and easy to talk to. We can breathe easier knowing that we have a plan in place so our child with special needs will be properly taken care of when we are gone. Appointments were simple to schedule and she traveled to meet with us at our financial advisor’s office and at our home. I refer all of my fellow moms who have children with special needs to Katie.” 

- Bill & Lori G.

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"I am so glad that I consulted with Clancy & Associates to review the options available for my son who has autism.  I didn’t realize that he can qualify for several benefits from the government when he turns 18. This is a relief to me and great news for my son.  I was very comfortable talking with Katie about our family and my son’s history. She is also a special needs parent, so there is so much I did not have to explain -- she just understood.  I know there is more for me to do, but having Katie as a guide takes a big load
off my shoulders." ​

- Jamie M.

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I met Katie Clancy when she spoke about special needs trust and overall life planning.  Let me tell you that I could not take notes fast enough!  Fast forward, I worked with Katie to execute an estate plan including a special needs trust for my son Riley.  Our relationship with Katie will continue as I look to her as an invaluable resource to help us navigate life planning for our adult son.

- Mary D.

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