Dear Friend,

There’s a kind of love only a parent of a special needs child understands.

It’s fierce.
Protective.
Endless.
And it doesn’t stop at the end of your lifetime.

If you’re raising a child with special needs—whether they’re five or fifty—your #1 question is this:
“What will happen to my child when I’m no longer here to take care of them?”

At Bascom Law, we hear that question a lot.
And we’re here to tell you: There is an answer.
There is a way to protect your child… and their future.

A Basic Will Is Not Enough

Let’s get something straight right now:

If you leave money directly to a child with special needs—even with the best intentions—you could accidentally disqualify them from the government benefits they rely on.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, housing, and vocational services are all based on need.

A direct inheritance, even a modest one, could push them over the financial threshold and jeopardize everything.

And trying to “leave it to a sibling to take care of them” isn’t a plan. It’s a hope.
People change. Circumstances change. Life happens.

What your child needs isn’t a promise.
They need legal protection.

The Special Needs Trust: A Lifeline for the Future

This is where a Special Needs Trust comes in.

A Special Needs Trust (also called a Supplemental Needs Trust) allows you to leave money, property, or life insurance to your child without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.

The Trust holds the assets for your child’s benefit—but because your child doesn’t own them directly, they don’t count against eligibility limits.

You appoint a Trustee—someone you trust—to manage the money and use it for your child’s:

  • Therapy, caregiving, and supplemental medical care
  • Education, enrichment, and transportation
  • Hobbies, recreation, and quality of life expenses
  • Anything not covered by government assistance

It’s not just financial protection.
It’s dignity.
It’s independence.
It’s the reassurance that they’ll be okay—even if you’re not there.

More Than a Trust—A Total Plan

A good estate plan for families with special needs includes more than just a Special Needs Trust.

At Bascom Law, we also help you:

  • Create a legally valid Will to ensure your intentions are honored
  • Establish a Durable Power of Attorney for finances
  • Prepare an Advanced Directive for Health Care and HIPAA Authorization and Release to handle medical matters
  • Appoint a guardian or conservator if needed
  • Coordinate with your child’s care providers, benefits coordinators, and other professionals

And if you have other children? We’ll make sure your entire family is provided for—fairly and thoughtfully.

Because estate planning for a special needs child doesn’t mean loving your other children less.
It means planning with more care, more precision, and more heart.

Start While You Still Have a Say

No one knows your child like you do.
You’ve been their advocate since day one.

But if something happens to you, and there’s no plan in place?

A judge—who’s never met your child—could be the one making decisions.
That’s not love. That’s a risk you don’t have to take.

We’re Here to Help

At Bascom Law, we walk with families like yours every day.

We understand how overwhelming this can feel.
But with the right plan, you’ll breathe easier—knowing your child will be safe, secure, and cared for.

Not just financially. But fully.

Because estate planning isn’t just about who gets what.
It’s about making sure the people you love are protected. Always.

Call Bascom Law today to schedule a consultation.
We’ll help you create a plan that gives your child what they need—and gives you peace of mind.

Sincerely and Thanks,

Mike Bascom
Bascom Law, PC

770-285-5493