Educational Resource Series
Essential Planning for Families of Children with Disabilities
A practical framework covering legal authority, financial tools, and long-term security — built specifically for Missouri families navigating these decisions.
“Planning for a child with a disability is not one document. It is a system.”
— Patrick Nolan, Estate Planning Attorney
Four Interconnected Areas Every Family Must Address
These four topics work together. Missing one creates gaps that can cost your child their benefits, their autonomy, or both.
Legal Authority at 18
Missouri law flips a switch at midnight on your child’s 18th birthday. Understanding Power of Attorney, guardianship, and supported decision-making before that date is essential.
Special Needs Trusts
The question is not how much money exists, but who holds it. A properly drafted trust protects benefits eligibility while allowing real financial support and stability.
MO ABLE Accounts
A tax-advantaged savings account that lets individuals with disabilities save money without triggering SSI resource limits. Simple to open, powerful in practice — and often overlooked.
Benefits Coordination
Medicaid, SSI, and other public benefits have rigid rules. A well-intentioned gift or inheritance can disqualify years of eligibility. Building within those rules is the goal of every plan.
Read the Full Guides
Each article covers one area of planning in depth — written for Missouri families, not lawyers. Presentation slides available for download with each guide.
01
Legal Authority
Power of Attorney in Missouri
What happens the day your child turns 18. Covers Durable POA, Healthcare POA, HIPAA authorization, and when guardianship becomes necessary.
02
Special Needs Trusts
Special Needs Trusts: Protecting Benefits
All three trust types, trustee selection, distribution rules, and the real cost of getting it wrong. Ownership is the first question — always.
03
Financial Tools
MO ABLE Accounts: A Practical Guide
How ABLE accounts work alongside Special Needs Trusts. Open in 10 minutes, $25 minimum, no monthly fees for Missouri residents.
04
Guardianship
Guardianship in Missouri
The probate process, conservatorship, limited vs. full guardianship, and what families must do before the 18th birthday. Plan 6-12 months out.
Ready to Build the Plan?
These guides are a starting point. Nolan Law Firm helps Missouri families build the complete system their child needs.
This material is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. An attorney-client relationship requires a signed engagement agreement.
