If your child has been diagnosed with autism or Asperger’s; or has suffered a traumatic brain injury or other developmental challenges, it’s natural to feel a mix of confusion, fear, and overwhelm. You deeply love your child and want to provide the best care possible, yet figuring out where to begin and what the future may hold can seem daunting.
Raising a child today is challenging and can feel isolating, even more so when your child has special needs. Whether you’re a single parent or have a co-parent, you need practical support and guidance that addresses your unique situation. For a family perspective on finding support after a diagnosis, read our story about the Edwards family and the E.WE Foundation.
Over a few weeks, we presented the following blog series aimed at making this aspect of parenting more manageable. Our focus was on how to effectively plan for your child’s financial future. For an archived discussion of planning a special-needs child’s financial future, see Christine Matus’s 2016 Business Innovators interview.
For another way to explore estate-planning topics, visit the firm’s podcast page, which introduces Law & Pop Culture and lists earlier Unique Family episodes.
For more articles from the firm, browse the Matus Law Group blog.
This series comes from a place of deep commitment and combines attorney Christine Matus’ personal experiences with her professional background. When she learned that her youngest daughter had Down syndrome, Christine and her husband faced numerous challenges despite her in-depth knowledge of New Jersey estate planning laws. She researched extensively and consulted with many advisors to devise a robust plan. This personal journey inspired her to assist other parents facing similar circumstances by offering a guide to avoid common pitfalls and provide actionable advice.
For a historical example of community support after a Down syndrome diagnosis, read our 2016 Down Syndrome Association announcement.
While this guide is not a substitute for legal or financial advice, we hope it encourages you to approach the unique parenting challenges you face with love, vitality, and a well-thought-out strategy.
For parents seeking legal guidance on planning for their child’s future, working with an experienced estate planning lawyer can be invaluable. At The Matus Law Group, our team of New Jersey estate planning lawyers can guide parents through the essential steps of creating a secure plan that addresses the long-term needs and well-being of their special needs child. Our approach is compassionate and thorough, helping ensure that all legal aspects are tailored to your family’s specific circumstances. Contact us today at (732) 785-4453 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you. Read how our firm describes its financial, emotional, and practical support for families raising a special-needs child.
Section 1: Financial Planning for Special Needs Parents 101
Whether your physician just diagnosed your child with a learning disability, or you’ve been struggling with deciding how to care for a child with a birth defect, this section defines common terms and concepts, so you can manage the system wisely and sidestep bureaucratic obstacles.
This section addresses wide-ranging questions. For instance:
- What should you do if you have two children: one who’s not developmentally impaired and one who is?
- How should you nimbly address pointed questions from relatives, teachers, and acquaintances?
- How can you be a positive advocate for your child in the medical system?
Section 2: Addressing the Diverse Life Challenges of Raising a Special Needs Child
Parenting involves financial, emotional, logistic, and career-related components. How can you meet these challenges in a mindful fashion? We discussed surprising insights and introduced resources to kick-start more effective thinking and productive behaviors and habits.
Section 3: Additional Resources
We’ve compiled powerful resources, including links to websites and articles, that can help you navigate different parts of the special needs parenting journey.
After going through this series, hopefully, you will have a clearer understanding of how to manage your finances, challenges, and opportunities. You may also feel calmer, more in control, and more optimistic about what lies ahead.
For more information, see our guide to 5 Tips for Traveling with a Special Needs Child.
For more information, see our guide to How a Divorce Can Impact Your Special Needs Estate Plan.
For help getting started planning for your special needs child, please contact The Matus Law Group or call (732) 281-0060 to schedule a consultation.
| Sections | Section Title | Content Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Financial Planning for Special Needs Parents 101 | Provides foundational knowledge and concepts for managing the system and financial aspects effectively. |
| Section 2 | Addressing the Diverse Life Challenges | Discusses the emotional, logistic, and financial challenges of raising a special needs child. |
| Section 3 | Additional Resources | Offers resources, links, and tools to help parents throughout their special needs parenting journey. |
