s the Parent of a Special Needs Child
Space Coast Edition — Volume IV, Issue I 7
ABLE beneficiary for medical assistance that was
provided after the establishment of the ABLE
account, however, ABLE accounts are protected
from other creditor claims, including federal
bankruptcy. Furthermore, money in an ABLE account
is generally disregarded when determining
eligibility for government benefit programs, but
an individual need not receive disability benefits
to be eligible to open an ABLE account. ABLE
accounts can be a great benefit for individuals on
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), because it
permits payments of food and shelter, which can
avoid possible reductions to the individuals SSI
benefits. For Florida, you can start an account by
going to www.ableunited.com.
6. Plan for Guardianship. Unless your child
is able to function entirely on their own by time
they reach adulthood, it is highly likely that
a Guardianship will be in the future. Under
Florida law, a Guardian Advocate may be appointed
prior to, or after the developmentally
disabled person turns 18. This is the only type
of guardianship proceeding that does not require
you to be represented by
an attorney, but it is highly
recommended that you
do seek counsel for this,
as this is an ongoing event
that requires annual filings
with the Court and missteps
can be easily made. The Court will appoint
an attorney for your child, and that attorney will
be paid for by the state if your child is determined
to not have funds of their own. This sort
of Guardianship does not adjudicate a person
incapacitated, but merely allows for someone
to manage their legal, financial, and medical
matters. Not having a guardianship will run the
risk of locking you out of your child’s life, as they
are legal, independent adults when they reach
18. It also allows for a continuing plan of care if
something were to happen to you.
The Slonim Law Firm takes pride in working
closely with clients to ensure that they obtain the
best representation for the value. Reach us by calling
321.757.5701 or www.slonimlaw.com.
/www.ableunited.com
/www.slonimlaw.com
/www.slonimlaw.com