Life is unpredictable, and when you have a child with special needs, the stakes are even higher. You know your child’s routine, medical needs, and daily struggles better than anyone. But what happens if you suddenly aren’t there to care for them? A solid crisis plan ensures that your child is protected no matter what happens. Without one, your family could face unnecessary stress, confusion, and legal battles. The good news is that by planning, you can remove uncertainty and put a system in place that ensures your child continues to receive the care and support they need. Let’s walk through the key steps to creating a plan that keeps your child safe and gives you peace of mind.
Why Every Family Needs a Crisis Plan
Many families assume that estate planning is enough to cover emergencies, but that’s only part of the picture. A crisis plan prepares for unexpected situations—such as illness, accidents, or even natural disasters—when you cannot care for your child temporarily or permanently. Without clear instructions, family members, caregivers, or even the state could step in and make decisions that don’t align with your wishes.
A well-thought-out crisis plan ensures that your child’s needs are met immediately, without delay. It provides guidance for caregivers, includes financial resources, and protects your child from unnecessary disruptions. By creating one now, you eliminate the guesswork and make sure your child continues receiving the support they need.
Additionally, a crisis plan helps avoid legal complications. In the absence of a plan, courts may be required to intervene, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process. A solid plan keeps you in control and provides legal clarity, ensuring that decisions about your child’s care align with your values and long-term intentions.
Building Your Crisis Plan Step by Step
Creating a crisis plan isn’t complicated but requires careful thought and action. Start by identifying a trusted circle of caregivers—family members, close friends, or professionals—who can step in if needed. Be clear about your expectations, and ensure they understand your child’s medical and daily care needs.
Next, put everything in writing. I support you in creating a Circle of Support Guide that includes an entire emergency and disaster planning section. The guide also provides practical information, such as emergency contacts, medical information, allergies, medications, therapy schedules, and behavioral strategies.
Legal planning is another essential step. I’ll help you establish a power of attorney, guardianship arrangements, and a special needs trust. These tools protect your child’s care and financial future in an emergency.
Once your special needs trust is in place, working with a financial advisor with knowledge and experience in special needs planning is essential to properly fund your child's unique needs trust. Some assets will serve your child's purchasing power more effectively and tax-efficiently than others. If you don't know a financial advisor who focuses on this type of planning, don't worry! There are resources available to you, including Chartered Special Needs Consultants (ChSNC), where you can locate an advisor who is right for your family.
Additionally, when you work with me, we’ll ensure that your legal documents specify long-term and short-term guardians. A temporary guardian can step in immediately if something happens to you, ensuring that your child’s care is uninterrupted while a permanent solution is implemented.
But having the proper guardians in place is only the beginning—you also need to ensure that your plan is accessible and ready to be implemented immediately.
Making Sure Your Plan Works When You Need It
A crisis plan is only helpful if it’s accessible and up-to-date. Keep copies where they can be easily found, such as with a trusted caregiver, in your home, or with your attorney. Consider using digital storage or a secure online service to ensure the plan is available in an emergency.
It’s also important to regularly review and update your plan. Medical needs, therapy schedules, and legal arrangements change over time. Set a reminder to revisit your plan at least once a year or whenever there’s a significant change in your family’s situation. Regular reviews are an inherent part of my process when you work with me.
I also support you in communicating your plan with everyone involved. Talk with family members, caregivers, and medical providers so they understand their roles. Run through different scenarios to ensure there are no gaps in the plan. Keeping everyone informed avoids confusion and delays when quick action is needed.
Additionally, consider creating an emergency response kit with essential items such as medications, copies of important documents, and a written guide on how to care for your child. These readily available materials can make all the difference in a time-sensitive situation.
Securing Your Child's Future No Matter What Happens
Don't leave your child's future to chance—take control with a solid crisis plan. When you work with me, my Life & Legacy PlanningⓇ Meeting process ensures your child with special needs will always have the care, stability, and resources they rely on, even if the unexpected happens. Taking these proactive steps today will save you and your child from unnecessary stress - and give you the confidence that your child’s future is secure.
Start today and create a plan that works when you need it most. Contact us to get started.
This article is a service of Ralston Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Family Wealth Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.