Special People, Special Planning - Special Needs Planning Book - Special Needs Chapter Overview.

Ch. 1: THE NEED FOR SPECIAL PLANNING
• Defining special needs planning
• The consequences of failing to plan
• Important considerations for special needs planning
• Three important planning dates
• Four reasons why people fail to plan

Ch. 2: MAXIMIZING AND PROTECTING PUBLIC & PRIVATE RESOURCES
• Discussion of the three main federal disability programs
• Discovering legal safe havens within public assistance programs
• Why families can't afford to rely on only one category of resource

Ch. 3: GUARDIANSHIPS
• Guardianship – the pros and cons
• Reasons why guardianships are a good choice
• When and how to seek appointment as a guardian

Ch. 4: PLANNING OPTIONS
• Seven essential planning options
• Weighing the pros and cons of each planning option

Ch. 5: TRUSTS
• Why trusts are an excellent planning option
• Choosing the right trust for you and your special person
• Avoiding trust pitfalls

Ch. 6: FIDUCIARIES, ATTORNEYS AND OTHER SCARY PEOPLE
• Discovering the names and roles of all the scary people
• Standards of care – what are they?
• Selecting the best helpers and caregivers
• Coordinating your planning team

CH. 7: FUNDING/ASSET INTEGRATION
• Why any plan is doomed to fail
• Building a plan that will work as you intend

CH. 8: TAXATION
• Anticipating the tax consequences of special needs planning
• Third party v. Self-settled trust taxation
• Four important taxes and what you need to know

CH. 9: UPDATING, EDUCATION and MAINTENANCE
• Learn how and when your plan needs to updated
• The mechanics of plan maintenance

CH. 10: TERMINATION
• When your plan should be terminated
• What happens if your plan has to be terminated
• Terminating your special needs plan

CH. 11: SPECIAL LETTERS OF INSTRUCTION
• Why a “letter of instruction” is an essential recommended
• Drafting tips for creating your letter of instruction

CH. 12: CONCLUSION
• Special needs planning resources and assistance

APPENDIX A – GLOSSARY
• Defining terms you need to know and understand

APPENDIX B – EXPENSE WORKSHEET
• A step-by-step approach to determining monthly expenses
• Planning for long-term needs

APPENDIX C – SPECIAL LETTER OF INSTRUCTION
• A guide for drafting a special letter of instruction

APPENDIX D – PLANNING CHECKLIST
• 14 Helpful hints and reminders
• Important Questions and Answers to frequently asked questions