The Wongs had good instincts but no structure. Their existing Wills split the estate equally between both children, which made legal sense but practical nonsense. Their son with ASD could not manage a lump sum and their other son had not agreed to be a permanent caregiver or financial manager. There was no trust, no letter of wishes, no framework for ongoing care decisions.
What we didWe helped them think through the planning in stages. Immediate care: who does what now and if one parent passes. Longer term care: funding mechanisms that do not leave their son exposed. We discussed testamentary trusts and other structures that could ring-fence funds for their son's benefit while giving their other child clarity on what was expected of him and what was not. We connected them with specialists for the legal trust documentation.
Where they are nowThe Wongs describe the process as hard but necessary. They have a framework now. Their older son was part of one conversation, which they said changed the dynamic in the family. He had been quietly worrying about his future obligations without ever saying so.
Planning for a child with additional needs is not about expecting the worst. It is about making sure love outlasts the people who feel it.
Your situation
This kind of planning involves several moving parts. A conversation is the right place to begin.
Worth a conversation