Estate Planning as a Gift of Love During Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month — a time to celebrate the unique brilliance of individuals living with autism and to support the incredible families walking alongside them. At The Law Office of Jeffrey Blair, we are proud to stand with families navigating this journey by helping them create estate plans that empower, protect, and honor their loved ones' futures.
Estate planning is more than a legal task — it’s an act of love and advocacy. Thoughtful planning ensures that your loved one with autism can live a rich, supported life while preserving access to vital services and fostering their independence whenever possible.
Empowering the Future: Why Estate Planning Matters
Every child and adult with autism has a story, a purpose, and a bright future. By planning ahead, families can:
Preserve eligibility for government programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid
Establish financial security without risking essential benefits
Appoint trusted guardians or supporters for health, financial, and personal decisions
Create a roadmap that captures your loved one's preferences, needs, and dreams
Without a coordinated plan, a well-meaning gift or inheritance could unintentionally create financial obstacles — but with the right tools, you can open doors to greater possibilities.
Special Needs Trusts: A Foundation of Support
One of the most powerful tools available to families is a Special Needs Trust (SNT). A Special Needs Trust allows you to set aside resources for your loved one without impacting their eligibility for critical government assistance.
Even more exciting:
Friends, extended family members, and community members can contribute too.
By creating a Third-Party Special Needs Trust, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even close family friends can donate gifts, inheritances, or life insurance benefits directly into the trust — building a strong, lasting foundation of support across generations.
This approach celebrates the spirit of community and ensures that your loved one has access to resources for education, therapies, recreation, travel, and anything else that enriches their life — while preserving critical benefits.
Other Tools to Consider
Guardianships or Supported Decision-Making Agreements depending on the level of assistance your loved one may need
Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies to empower independent decision-making with a safety net
Letter of Intent — a heartfelt document describing your loved one’s daily routines, preferences, and dreams for future caregivers to follow
Let’s Celebrate and Plan Together
Estate planning is not just about protecting assets; it’s about protecting people — their dignity, their opportunities, and their right to live fulfilling lives.
This Autism Awareness Month, let's celebrate the brilliance of every individual with autism and honor the families who support them.
At The Law Office of Jeffrey Blair, we are here to walk with you every step of the way — building a plan that uplifts, protects, and celebrates your loved one's future.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start creating a legacy of love, security, and support.
