Planning
Special Needs Planning
Families who care for loved ones with disabilities often face unique financial and legal challenges. Special needs planning helps ensure individuals with disabilities have the financial resources and support they need while maintaining access to important government programs and benefits.
Without proper planning, well intended gifts or inheritances may unintentionally affect eligibility for programs such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. Capital Legacy Counseling works with families to develop long-term plans that protect assets, coordinate care, and support their loved ones.
Clara AI guide
Capital Legacy Counseling's AI guide. General information, never legal advice.
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Our focus
What this covers
- Special Needs TrustsTrusts designed to provide financial support while protecting eligibility for benefits.
- Government Benefit PlanningCoordinating financial planning with programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.
- Financial SecurityStrategies that provide long-term financial support for individuals with special needs.
- Care PlanningHelping families prepare for future care needs and support systems.
- Family GuidanceGuidance for families navigating complex planning decisions and caregiving responsibilities.
- Long-Term ProtectionEnsuring resources remain available throughout their lives.
Questions families ask
General answers, before you meet
General information only, not legal advice. For your own situation, the free 30 minute meeting is the place to ask.
We have a child with special needs. What should we think about?
The firm serves special needs families. The usual concerns are protecting eligibility for benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income, planning who will provide care later, and setting aside money in a way that improves quality of life without disrupting those benefits. For your own situation, the free 30 minute meeting is the place to ask.
What is a special needs trust?
It is a trust that holds money for a person with a disability so it can pay for things beyond what benefits cover, while protecting eligibility for programs such as Medicaid and SSI. A gift left directly to the person can affect eligibility, which is why families plan this ahead. For your own situation, the free 30 minute meeting is the place to ask.
Do I need guardianship when my child with special needs turns 18?
At 18 your child is legally an adult, so you no longer make decisions for them automatically. Depending on their abilities, options range from supported decision making and powers of attorney to a court guardianship. The firm's guardianship planning covers this. For your own situation, the free 30 minute meeting is the place to ask.
How it works
The same four steps
Discovery and education, strategy and design, implementation, and ongoing support.
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Our process begins with understanding your unique situation, family dynamics, and long-term goals. During the discovery phase, we take the time to learn what matters most to you.
We also guide you through the estate planning process, explaining the available planning tools and legal strategies in clear language so you can make confident decisions.
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After understanding your needs, we design a customized strategy tailored to your financial situation, family structure, and long-term objectives.
This step focuses on building a comprehensive plan that protects your assets, supports your loved ones, and ensures your wishes are carried out as intended.
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Once your strategy is finalized, we prepare the necessary legal documents and ensure they are properly executed.
Our team carefully structures every document so your estate plan works effectively and protects your family when it matters most.
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Estate planning is not a one-time event. As your life changes, your plan should evolve as well. Through our ongoing support services, we help review and update your plan when necessary.
Our annual service package allows us to monitor changes in federal and state laws, so your estate plan stays aligned with current legal requirements.
Start here
A free 30 minute meeting
Every plan starts with a conversation about your family, what you own, and what matters to you. The first meeting is free and takes 30 minutes, online, by phone, or by appointment at the Rockville office. Nothing is signed at that meeting.
What the booking form asks
- Have you created a will or trust before?Yes, but it needs to be updated. Or no, I haven't started yet.
- What prompted your interest?Protecting my children or family, avoiding probate, reducing taxes, managing real estate or business assets, or something else.
- When are you hoping to have your plan completed?Within 30 days, within 3 months, or just exploring for now.
Plus a date, a time, your time zone and how you prefer to be contacted.
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