Legal & Financial Planning
A calm walk-through of the documents and arrangements that protect autonomy, income, and access to care as you age.
An arrangement where the autistic adult keeps their legal rights and chooses trusted people to help them understand options, weigh trade-offs, and communicate decisions. It is the least restrictive alternative to guardianship and is now recognized in most U.S. states.
Court-ordered arrangements that transfer some or all decision-making from the adult to another person. They can be full or limited. Because they remove rights, they should be a last resort and reviewed regularly. Ask about limited or time-bound options first.
A signed document letting a trusted person act on your behalf for finances, healthcare, or both. A durable POA continues if you become unable to decide. It can be revoked while you still have capacity, and does not remove your rights.
A trust that holds assets for a disabled beneficiary without disqualifying them from means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. A first-party SNT uses the beneficiary's own money; a third-party SNT is funded by family. Both require careful drafting by a special-needs attorney.
Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people whose disability began before age 26 (rising to 46 in 2026). Balances up to $100,000 do not count against SSI. Funds can be used for housing, transportation, health, and other qualified disability expenses.
Even a simple will avoids default state rules. An advance directive or living will records your wishes if you cannot speak for yourself. Check beneficiary designations on retirement, life-insurance, and bank accounts — those override a will.
A good order to tackle this
- Write down what a good life looks like for you (or your loved one). Everything else serves that.
- Put a healthcare directive and durable POA in place — these matter first if a health event happens.
- Check benefits eligibility (SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare) before moving or gifting assets.
- Open an ABLE account if eligible, before drafting a trust.
- Meet with a special-needs attorney about a trust, will, and letter of intent.
- Review every 3–5 years, or after any major life change.