Are Special Needs Trusts Confidential?
Special needs trusts, as a general rule, are confidential between the parties named in the trust. Those people will have the ability to get trust information. Of course, if there is any kind of lawsuit or legal action, the trust will likely become published in public record. Also, in managing a special needs trust, the Social Security, Department of Children and Families and other Medicaid related entities will want to review the terms of the trust as part of ensuring that it meets the requirements of the law.
Most onlookers will not have any kind of entitlement to the special needs trust because it will be confidential unless there is a lawsuit. Family members who are not involved in the trust will have no rights to bring a lawsuit because they will have no proper standing unless they get guardianship over the disabled beneficiary of the special needs trust.
How Do Parents Choose Who Will Succeed Them In Caring For Their Special Needs Child?
As parents care for a special needs child, they need to choose their successor. There are generally two paths: There is a direct family care path and a community-based care path. If you want to choose a family member to care for a disabled child, then you need to think about housing issues. Where is your disabled child going to live? Are you going to buy a bigger property, so that their house and your other child’s house can appear on the same property? Are they going to live in the same house?
What level of independence do you think is appropriate for your disabled child to exert in their living situation? Are they fully independent or are they totally dependent on you? That consideration will greatly affect your cost and whether you’ve left enough for your disabled child. There are not only monetary costs to consider, but there could also be time costs, as well. If you’re asking a family member to take care of your child and that would involve missing work, then that income will be lost. When choosing a family member, you also need to consider the additional costs that will impact the family members you leave in charge.
A community-based approach can look at group homes. There are many types of group homes for disabled people that can provide the disabled child with some degree of independence and allow all of the family members to be involved, rather than feeling like they’re intruding on another family member who may not be as close to them as they are with you. Choosing between family-based and community-based care depends on what is in the best interests of your child. Does your child want one versus the other, if they can express an opinion? You definitely need an elder law and special needs attorney to help you find a solution that works for your child and your family.
For more information on Confidentiality Of Special Needs Trusts in FL, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you’re seeking by calling (904) 398-6100 today.
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