ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a proper special needs financial plan that requires the following role to be considered when the parents are no longer willing or able to perform them: guardian, attorney-in-fact, trustee, and caregiver. Individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD) and their families need to plan for the future for a number of reasons. With proper special needs financial planning, families can stretch their savings further and create opportunities for the best possible lives for their loved ones with IDD. Communication is important in all relationships, and it is essential for families with children with IDD. There are three areas where quality communication delivers positive results. The first is the ability to maintain government benefits. Second is the positive outcome from effective communication which is the alignment of estate planning documents. A third reason for communicating broadly with one's family is the ability to identify future funding sources for the expenses of the individual with IDD.
