Financial & Legal Issues
As a parent, family member, or legal guardian, you’ve been in charge of the financial, and legal issues and have full access to medical, financial and other information and records related to your son or daughter. But what will happen when he or she turns 18? How about 21? As your child approaches those milestones, you may have additional questions, including:

• After my son or daughter with disabilities reaches adulthood, and they can sign legally binding contracts, open bank or credit card accounts, and make their own medical decisions without my input or support, how do I protect them from getting into legal, medical or financial problems?
• Once my child with disabilities becomes an adult, what are the pros and cons of assigning legal guardianship, or powers of attorney for health care and decision making to someone other than that son or daughter?
• What might my individual with disabilities need financially over his or her lifetime?
• In setting up accounts to meet future financial needs, what is the difference between a regular trust, special needs trust, and an OBRA?
• What do I need to consider regarding my will or estate planning in relationship to my son or daughter with disabilities?
• What financial resources or services are available from the state or federal government? How do I access them? What are the rules and limitations of these government benefits?
• What are the rights of individuals with disabilities? How do IDEA, the Olmsted Act, ADA, and other current legislation protect an individual with disabilities?
• How do I advocate for myself or my child, sibling, or friend with disabilities?

It’s natural that you want to plan for your child with disabilities, both legally and financially. As a central place for parents, siblings, and family friends to get information on how to plan for the long-term legal and financial needs of the individual with disabilities, CIF offers a range of services in which you may want to participate, including:

• What’s Next? Consultations
• Public Benefits Workshops
• Full Life Future Planning Sessions