On the financial side, Sharp stresses the importance of communication in families with special needs cases. Although discussions about inheritance issues often make for awkward conversation, it's a good idea for parents to approach that rich, childless uncle who's talked about leaving part of his money to their children. "It's important to say, 'if you're going to leave Johnny some money, please do it this way,'" says Sharp, alluding to a special needs trust as a means keep government benefits intact. "We need to be able to coach our clients on that."
Sometimes it's the little things that can make a big difference with special needs clients. Pearson at Beach Financial starts off the planning process by requiring parents to write a letter of intent for their children. These are nonlegal, nonbinding documents that detail all the little things about a child that makes that person who he or she is. These items can range from their fear of needles to their favorite color, and from their medical history to who their favorite relatives are. It should describe the type of living arrangement they want for their child, as well as any other pertinent information to help subsequent caregivers understand that individual and to provide the desired lifestyle for them. Essentially, it's the life story of that special needs person.
"The soft side is very important," says Pearson. "It tells me what the family wants for the child, and that gives me guidance so when I look at their financial situation I can help them get where they want to go."