Why Choose Us?
At DeClue Law Offices LLC, we help families create thoughtful special needs plans that provide long-term care, financial security, and peace of mind for loved ones with disabilities or special needs. Our firm offers compassionate legal guidance tailored to your family’s unique circumstances and future goals.
- Ongoing support for families and trustees
- Free consultation available
- Personalized special needs planning strategies
- Assistance with special needs trusts and estate planning
- Guidance for guardianship and powers of attorney
- Support protecting Medicaid and SSI eligibility
- Clear explanations of legal and financial options
What Is Special Needs Planning?
Special needs planning helps families create legal and financial plans for individuals with disabilities or special needs while protecting access to important government benefits.
A well-designed special needs plan can help:
- Protect financial resources
- Preserve Medicaid and SSI eligibility
- Provide long term care support
- Maintain independence and quality of life
- Prepare for future healthcare and financial decisions
- Reduce uncertainty for family members and caregivers
Every family’s situation is different, which is why personalized planning is important.
What Is a Special Needs Trust?
A special needs trust is a legal tool that allows funds to be set aside for a loved one with disabilities without affecting eligibility for government benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income.
Special needs trusts may help protect:
- Inheritances
- Gifts from family members
- Personal injury settlements
- Savings and financial resources
The trust can be used to support expenses that improve quality of life while maintaining access to public benefits.
How Does a Special Needs Trust Work?
A trustee manages the assets in the trust and distributes funds according to the terms of the trust document.
Funds may help cover:
- Education expenses
- Medical and therapy costs
- Transportation
- Housing support
- Recreation and personal care needs
- Technology and adaptive equipment
At DeClue Law Offices LLC, we help families determine whether a special needs trust is appropriate and create plans tailored to their goals.
Planning for Adulthood and Long-Term Support
Transitioning into adulthood can create important legal and financial decisions for individuals with special needs and their families.
Our firm helps families evaluate options such as:
- Powers of attorney
- Guardianship arrangements
- Conservatorship considerations
- Supported decision making agreements
- Healthcare planning
- Educational and financial planning
We help families understand the available options while prioritizing independence and long term support.
Guardianship and Supported Decision Making
Some individuals may need assistance making financial, medical, or personal decisions, while others may benefit from more flexible alternatives.
Supported decision making allows individuals to maintain greater control while receiving guidance from trusted family members or advisors.
Guardianship may be appropriate in situations where an individual cannot safely manage important decisions independently.
Our firm helps families explore the most appropriate legal solutions based on their loved one’s needs and abilities.
When Should You Start Special Needs Planning?
It is best to begin special needs planning as early as possible to create a stable foundation for future care and financial support.
Early planning can help families:
- Protect future inheritances
- Avoid benefit disruptions
- Clarify long term care goals
- Prepare for adulthood transitions
- Reduce future legal complications
However, it is never too late to seek legal guidance. Our firm can help families at any stage of the planning process.
How DeClue Law Offices LLC Supports Your Family
Our firm provides compassionate and practical guidance throughout every stage of the special needs planning process.
We can help you:
- Evaluate your family’s goals and future needs
- Explain trusts, ABLE accounts, and other planning options
- Draft special needs trusts and related documents
- Prepare powers of attorney and healthcare directives
- Assist with guardianship planning and court filings
- Provide guidance for trustees and caregivers
- Review and update plans as circumstances change
We work closely with families to create clear plans that provide long term stability and peace of mind.
ABLE Accounts and Additional Planning Tools
ABLE accounts allow eligible individuals with disabilities to save money for qualified expenses while maintaining certain public benefits.
Our firm helps families understand:
- ABLE account eligibility and benefits
- How ABLE accounts work with special needs trusts
- Long term savings and financial planning strategies
- Asset protection considerations
Combining multiple planning tools may help create stronger long term financial security.
Contact Our Indiana Special Needs Planning Attorney
Planning ahead can help provide long-term care, financial protection, and peace of mind for your loved one. Whether you need a special needs trust, guardianship guidance, or comprehensive planning support, DeClue Law Offices LLC is here to help.
Contact our Indiana special needs planning attorney today to schedule your consultation and discuss your family’s needs.
FAQs
What is a special needs trust?
A special needs trust allows assets to be managed for a person with disabilities without affecting eligibility for government benefits such as Medicaid or SSI.
Can a person with special needs still receive Medicaid if they inherit money?
Direct inheritances may affect eligibility for benefits, but proper planning through a special needs trust may help protect those benefits.
What is supported decision making?
Supported decision making allows individuals with disabilities to receive guidance from trusted people while maintaining control over important decisions.
What is the difference between guardianship and power of attorney?
A power of attorney is created voluntarily, while guardianship is established through the court when someone cannot safely manage their own affairs.