Q. Why should I create a special needs trust before my child turns 18 years old?

A. One of the main reasons to create a special needs trust before a child turns 18 is the same reason parents of children without special needs should have an estate plan. It is to provide stability and security for their family members if something happens to them. Creating a special needs trust before a child needs it ensures that the trust is there when it is needed, regardless of what happens to the trust’s creators. If parents of a child with special needs unexpectedly pass away having created a special needs trust, their estates will be held for the benefit of their child with special needs in a way that offers maximum flexibility for the child.