Your Legacy of Love: Estate and Financial Planning for Families with Disabilities
In this deeply informative episode, Ellen Nalven and Nancy Dilliplane of PLAN|NJ are joined by nationally recognized elder law attorney Tom Begley, Jr. and attorney Emily Schurr to explore the practical and emotional landscape of estate and financial planning for families with disabilities.
From the role of special needs trusts to the myths around disinheriting a child for the sake of public benefits, our guests share real-life examples, hard-earned legal wisdom, and compassionate advice for building a solid legacy of care. Whether you are just beginning your planning journey or need a gut check on your current approach, this episode offers invaluable guidance for safeguarding your loved one’s future.
Your Legacy of Love: Estate Planning as a Lifelong Gift
When it comes to supporting a loved one with a disability, there are few greater acts of love than planning for their long-term care and financial security. In Episode 9 of the PLAN|NJ Podcast, Executive Director Ellen Nalven and Director of Trust Services Nancy Dilliplane dive into the essential elements of legacy planning with elder law expert Tom Begley, Jr., and attorney Emily Schurr of Begley Law Group.
Together, they uncover the critical tools needed to prepare a will, a trust, and a comprehensive life plan. But beyond paperwork, they emphasize peace of mind for parents and dignity for their loved ones.
Key Takeaways
A Special Needs Trust is a tool, not a plan. Families must first define what a “good life” looks like for their loved one, then determine how to fund it.
Don’t rely on “just trusting” family members. Leaving money outright to siblings or disinheriting a child with a disability can backfire legally and emotionally. Professional trustees reduce risk and stress.
Public benefits are fragile. Eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and DDD services can be lost with one wrong move, often unintentionally, by well-meaning relatives.
Life plans are grounded in reality. Unlike letters of intent, life plans consider actual costs and how those needs will be funded for years to come.
Customer service matters. A trustee who knows the law and cares about your family’s unique needs is more valuable than a lower fee with poor support.
The episode is filled with insights that reveal the complexities of estate planning for families facing unique challenges. As Tom says, “The trust is the extension of the parent’s love after they’re gone.” Listen now and start your family’s legacy of love today.
Join us to advance advocacy for meaningful change in the world of disability support. Please share with friends, loved ones and colleagues! We are on a mission to educate and empower, and your engagement can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
PODCAST EPISODES
Together We PLAN – Episode 8: Available Public Benefits and Services for Comprehensive Supports
In this essential episode of the PLAN|NJ podcast, Executive Director Ellen Nalven and Associate Executive Director Jason Miller explore how public...
Together we PLAN – Toward Better Mental Health Supports and Services
In Episode Seven of PLAN|NJ’s podcast series, host Ellen Nalven and co-host Jason Miller engage with Joyce Benz and Michael to discuss essential...
Together We Plan Episode Six: One Mother’s Journey: Securing Residential Services for a Daughter with Autism
Episode Six: One Mother’s Journey: Securing Residential Services for a Daughter with Autism In this recent podcast episode, Maria Fischer, an attorney...
Together We Plan Episode Five: The Challenge to Change: Learning from Lived Experiences with Disabilities
Episode Five: The Challenge to Change: Learning from Lived Experiences with Disabilities In this powerful episode of "Together We PLAN," disability...
Together We Plan Episode Four: Unlocking Supportive Housing: Navigating Resources and Solutions for Individuals with Disabilities
Episode Four: Unlocking Supportive Housing: Navigating Resources and Solutions for Individuals with Disabilities With special guests Diane Riley,...
Together We PLAN – Episode Three. Beyond Guardianship: Exploring Supported Decision Making
Episode Three: Beyond Guardianship: Exploring Supported Decision Making With special guests Nina Weiss, Esq., Joseph B. Young, Esq. and Elizabeth G....
CIRCLE OF SUPPORT
our story
"A Talk With Families"
The stories of three families with loved ones who have disabilities and who use PLAN|NJ's trust administration and care coordination services are told through interviews conducted in their homes by Executive Director Ellen Nalven.
GET IN TOUCH
Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey PLAN|NJ
Please note our new mailing address as of August 1, 2025:
PO Box 706
Green Brook, NJ 08812
908-575-8300 (Phone)
908-927-9010 (Fax)
info@plannj.org
PROUD MEMBERS OF:
Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities
Association of People Supporting Employment First
Alliance for Pooled Trusts
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Guardianship Association
National PLAN Alliance
Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
SOMETHING MISSING? LET US KNOW.
We work hard to provide relevant and current information. If you feel something is missing or needs to be corrected, please contact us via our contact form HERE.
PLAN|NJ = Lifetime Advocacy for People with Disabilities
OUR MISSION
PLAN|NJ’s mission is to help family members of people with disabilities answer the question:
“Who will care for my loved one when I'm gone?”
We coordinate the supports needed by individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, and challenges with mental health, including people with autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, severe mental illness and more.
Spanish Translation
Si usted habla español y quisiera mas información sobre nuestros servicios o si desea una consulta con PLAN\NJ, por favor comuníquese con
Nancy Dilliplane, Director of Trust Services, para asistencia bilingüe: 908-575-8300, extensión 15
nancy.dilliplane@plannj.org
