Special Needs Transition Planning

testimonials

Transition is "the process of changing from one state to another", according to Webster's dictionary. For families of children with special needs, it means the growth from being a legal "child" to a legal "adult" - or turning 18 years old - otherwise known as the "age of majority." What happens after high school? How will my child prepare for living independently? Will my child be able to work, and if so, at what type of job? How will he fill his days? And, what will happen after I pass away?

Parents never stop worrying that they may have missed a critical deadline or opportunity for their child in the complicated world of special needs planning. To help parents resolve their worries about the path to adulthood, we offer Transition Planning Services that cover far more than the school's educational transition plan. A true, all-encompassing Transition Plan sets out you and your child's goals for life as an adult not only in school, but vocational planning, government benefits, guardianship and special needs trust planning. Each component of our Transition Plan require careful, expert planning within important deadlines. Our team of experts includes a Special Needs Trust and Education/IEP Attorney, Guardianship/Family Law Attorney, Benefits Specialist and Nurse Paralegal.

During our Transitional Planning process, our legal team will guide you through the following components:

Education, Vocational and Community Programming: We will review your child’s current IEP/ Transition Plan for several key components to ensure that the school's Transition Plan complies with legal standards. We will also evaluate existing school team and identify additional school personnel, gateway, agency or
private staff where necessary to accomplish child’s goals. We will also help you identify and put into action the child and family’s goals for adult life and work/day program pursuits.
Government Benefits, Support and Programs: Our team will help you understand the various benefits available, their importance and value, and how to secure them.
Legal Planning: We will explain the differences between Powers of Attorney and Guardianship, and help you decide which is best for your child. We will also review Special Needs Legal Planning, how Special Needs Trusts and ABLE accounts work, and how these strategies coordinate with Parents’ Estate Planning. Most importantly, we will cut through the legalese and help you understand practically how these tools will provide value to your child.

We can help you in this process wherever you are today. Some parents are concerned that they are beginning to plan "too late". It is never too late to create a Transition Plan! We will walk this path alongside you, rest assured, we will prioritize the issues that you must consider and help you achieve your planning goals.

Please contact us to set up or review your Transition Plan.

Transition Plan Check-Up

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“Turning Pointe often utilizes Katie's help to guide families on their journey with autism. We refer families directly to her office and also proudly host her for informative live on-site presentations. Katie has a unique touch with clients as she is knowledgeable, but approachable and operates from a place of real passion for her work. At Turning Pointe, we are always confident in partnering with Clancy Associates and feel grateful to have her in our community."

- Carrie Provenzale, Executive Director Turning Pointe Autism Foundation

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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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