Trust Advisory Committees

Posted on January 13, 2010 by Mary W. Browning

Sometimes, when a parent creates a third-party special needs trust, he or she does not want the entire burden of decision making to fall on the trustees.  Or sometimes the trustees were chosen for their financial and investment savvy and background and they do not necessarily know how to handle the day-to-day life of the child with special needs.  In these cases, the appointment of a Trust Advisory Committee by the trust creator may be appropriate.

A Trust Advisory Committee is a group of people (typically 3-5 people) chosen by the person creating the trust or chosen by the trustee who are responsible for advising and making distribution requests on behalf of the special needs person to the trustee.  The committee is designed to provide insight, advice and information to the trustee with respect to the special needs person's residential placement, emotional, social, education, medical and therapeutic issues.  The committee usually consists of family members, a social worker, care manager, accountant, attorney, nurse, friends, etc.  These advisors have no legal authority over the trust, but the trustee is required to consult with them.

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Have You Checked Your Estate Planning Lately?

Posted on March 17, 2009 by Lori I. Wolf

Just as it is important to go to the doctor, the dentist and the eye doctor and to review the status of your finances on a regular basis, it is as important to reevaluate your estate planning on a regular basis.

Over the course of any period of years, there can be multiple issues which arise – there can be changes to tax laws which affect planning decisions; there can be changes in a family’s financial situation (both increases and decreases in wealth) which affect the decisions that are appropriate; there can be changes in relationships with the people appointed to serve in various capacities (as executors, trustees, guardians); and there can be changes in situations with children which necessitate the need to revisit planning.

Where a child with special needs is involved, the need to revisit planning on a regular basis becomes even more paramount.  First, it is critical to ensure that there is adequate funding for a plan on a long term basis. Since in many situations, these children will not be able to support themselves, this issue take on heightened importance.  Further, changes in the law or in positions taken by state agencies may change what is appropriate for a special needs trust.  Evaluating your plan at least every 1 or 2 years is crucial to ensure that you have the best plan in place for you and your loved ones.

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