Lafayette Special Needs Planning Attorneys

Caring for a loved one with special needs means thinking beyond the present—it requires thoughtful, informed planning to secure their future. At Oak Grove Estate Planning, our Lafayette special needs planning attorneys help families design customized legal strategies that protect access to vital benefits while providing long-term stability and peace of mind.

Building a Lifelong Plan with Compassion and Clarity

You want your loved one to have financial security, continued access to healthcare, and the freedom to live a meaningful life. But without careful planning, well-intentioned gifts or inheritances could disrupt their eligibility for critical programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

That’s where a properly structured special needs trust comes in. Our Lafayette attorneys guide you through every step, crafting a plan that protects your loved one’s financial future without jeopardizing the support they rely on. We’ll make sure your trust meets all legal requirements and aligns with your family’s values and long-term goals.

Special Needs Trusts That Work for Real Life

A special needs trust allows you to set aside funds for your loved one’s care—covering everything from everyday expenses and medical needs to educational opportunities and recreational activities. These trusts offer flexibility while protecting government benefit eligibility. Our Lafayette legal team will help you:

Design a trust tailored to your loved one’s needs
Appoint the right trustee to manage the funds
Identify funding sources, including life insurance or inheritances
Outline clear instructions for how funds should be used

Your loved one deserves a life that’s not only secure, but fulfilling—and we’re here to make that possible.

Finding the Right Level of Support

Not every individual with special needs requires full guardianship. Some may benefit from supported decision-making, power of attorney agreements, or other flexible arrangements that preserve independence while offering needed guidance.

At Oak Grove Estate Planning, we’ll help you assess your options and determine what level of legal oversight is appropriate. If guardianship is necessary, we’ll manage the court process and paperwork. If a less restrictive option is better, we’ll craft tailored legal agreements that strike the right balance between freedom and protection.

Protecting Government Benefits While Securing Assets

Even small financial changes—like an inheritance or a misdirected life insurance payout—can have serious consequences for a loved one with special needs. That’s why it’s crucial to structure all assets with care.

Our Lafayette attorneys will ensure that:

Your estate plan supports, not disrupts, eligibility for Medicaid, SSI, and other benefits
Trusts are properly funded and compliant with state and federal law
Your financial accounts, beneficiary designations, and wills are all aligned with the overall plan

We’ll coordinate every detail to avoid missteps and create a solid foundation for long-term support.

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Planning for the Future Even When You’re No Longer There

Part of special needs planning means preparing for the day when you’re no longer able to provide hands-on care. We’ll help you create an estate plan that names trusted individuals to manage financial and healthcare decisions, ensures your wishes are followed, and supports your loved one’s needs well into the future. We can also help incorporate tools like:

Wills that direct assets into special needs trusts
Life insurance strategies designed to fund those trusts
Letters of intent that provide caregivers with insights into your loved one’s routines and preferences

Our goal is to help you leave behind more than resources—we want to help you leave behind clarity, love, and peace of mind.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Special Needs Planning

A common mistake is leaving assets directly to a loved one with special needs. While the intention is generous, it can unintentionally disqualify them from critical benefits.

Other pitfalls include improperly titled accounts, outdated beneficiary designations, or using generic trust templates that don’t meet Louisiana’s legal standards.

Our Lafayette attorneys know how to avoid these issues. We’ll structure your plan carefully and review every element to ensure everything works together for your loved one’s protection.

Start the Conversation With a Lafayette Special Needs Planning Attorney

Your loved one’s future deserves thoughtful planning and experienced legal support. At Oak Grove Estate Planning, we’re proud to work with Lafayette families to create special needs plans that offer security, flexibility, and compassion. Reach out today to schedule a consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you build a plan that honors your loved one and gives you lasting peace of mind.