Portland Oregon Legal Planning News
April's World Autism Awareness Month brings a critical issue into focus for many families: what happens when a child with autism reaches adulthood? Turning 18 is a major legal transition, and for young adults on the spectrum, this threshold can feel like an 'autism cliff'. Suddenly, the structured support of childhood falls away, and parents find their legal ability to make decisions on behalf of their child significantly altered.
Read MoreIf you have a disabled* child, you may be tempted to assume that if something happens to you or your partner, your other children will take care of their sibling. However, it's important to take the time now to create a legal plan for your child so that they are always protected no matter what happens. This includes creating a Special Needs Trust*, also called a Supplemental Needs Trust, naming backup guardians/conservators, and considering housing scenarios in the event that their siblings can’t care for them.
Read MoreHaving a disabled child can be a life-changing experience, and it is important to plan for their future to ensure they receive the care and support they need throughout their lives. A comprehensive legal plan can provide peace of mind for both you and your child, and ensure that their needs are met, even after you are gone.
Read MoreWith today's technology, access to information is literally in the palm of our hands. From your cell phone, you can download manuals to repair a washing machine that's thirty years old or watch step-by-step video tutorials that will teach you how to do anything from knitting a sweater to playing an instrument without taking a single professional lesson.
Read MoreService dogs are specially trained to provide assistance to children with disabilities. They can be taught to support kids in a variety of unique ways that help with daily living and even help in an emergency situation. For families with disabled children, service dogs can be a lifeline.
Read MoreAs a disabled young adult approaches age 18, the parents will need to decide whether to pursue an Adult Guardianship and/or Conservatorship with the Oregon county courts for the right to manage the child’s personal, financial, and medical affairs.
Read MoreDisability planning is a Plan B for when an individual becomes physically or psychologically unable to handle his or her own financial affairs. A disability plan would go into effect once you’re medically incapacitated and would cease once you’re able to resume handling your own affairs. Thus, a disability plan could go into effect permanently or end upon your return to health.
Read MorePlanning for the future when you have a child with special needs can be complicated and daunting. The laws are often difficult to understand, and it is equally hard to anticipate the extent of your child’s future care needs. Whether you have an elementary school child whose days are filled with speech therapy appointments, occupational therapy, specialized schooling, and IEP’s or an adult child with disabilities who is completely reliant on you for daily support and care, you must begin planning ahead to ensure that your child will have a safe and secure future—even when you are gone someday.
Read MoreAs a Portland, Oregon estate lawyer, when I meet with parents to start the process of creating a special needs plan for their child with disabilities, I almost always advise against leaving any type of inheritance outright to the child when mom or dad passes away.
Read MorePlanning for future care needs when you have a child with special needs can be stressful. Whether your child was born with a disability, experienced a traumatic brain injury, or is a veteran with mental health issues, all disabled people deserve to have their future planned out and protected. Our Portland, Oregon special needs lawyer here at Aiston Law, LLC wants to help parents take the necessary steps to provide a secure financial future for their loved ones.
Read MoreMany parents worry about how they will fund a lifetime of care for their child with a disability. This is especially concerning if the parents are fearful that there will not be enough money left for housing, caregivers, and basic life necessities when mom or dad pass away.
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