Estate Planning for Parents of Children with Special Needs
October 19, 2023

As parents, our commitment to safeguarding and supporting our children knows no bounds. This dedication holds especially true when it comes to children with special needs. Ensuring their well-being and financial security stands as a primary concern for every loving parent. And when it comes to securing their future, comprehensive estate planning emerges as an invaluable tool.

 

Families with children who have special needs often face a unique set of challenges. These challenges can include medical expenses, therapy costs, and the need for ongoing care and support. It's crucial to recognize that your child's eligibility for government assistance programs may be impacted by any inheritance or assets they receive.

 

Special Needs Trusts

 

One of the most valuable tools in estate planning for parents of children with special needs is the Special Needs Trust (SNT). A Special Needs Trust is designed to provide for the needs of the child while preserving their eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

 

Key Benefits of a Special Needs Trust

 

  • Preservation of Eligibility — Assets held in the trust do not count against the child's eligibility for government assistance programs.


  • Supplemental Care — The trust can be used to provide supplemental care, covering expenses not met by government assistance.


  • Professional Management — A trustee can be appointed to manage the trust and make distributions in the best interest of the child.


  • Peace of Mind — Parents can have peace of mind knowing that their child's financial future is secure.

 

Choosing a Trustee

 

Selecting a trustee is a critical decision. The trustee will manage the trust and make decisions about disbursements. Many families opt for professional trustees, such as financial institutions or experienced law firms like Deppman Law, to ensure that the trust is managed correctly and in compliance with the law.

 

Letter of Intent

 

In addition to a Special Needs Trust, parents can create a Letter of Intent. This is a document that provides detailed instructions to the child's caregivers and trustees about their daily routines, preferences, and other important information. While not a legally binding document, it serves as a valuable resource for those who will be caring for your child in your absence.

 

Regular Reviews and Updates

 

Estate planning is not a one-time event; it's an ongoing process. As your child's needs evolve and your financial situation changes, it's crucial to review and update your estate plan to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

 

Deppman Law — Your Vermont Estate Planning Partner

 

Navigating the intricacies of estate planning for parents of children with special needs can be a daunting task. Deppman Law is here to help you every step of the way. Our experienced attorneys understand the unique challenges families face and we are dedicated to creating comprehensive estate plans that address your child's specific needs. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step in securing your child's future. Your child deserves the best, and we are here to make that a reality.

Buying a Home With Someone You’re Not Married To

July 16, 2026
Buying a home with a partner, friend, or family member can make homeownership more attainable and allow two people to invest in property together. But when co-owners are not married, many of the legal protections and rules that apply to married couples do not necessarily apply in the same way. Before purchasing a home together, it’s important to think beyond the down payment and mortgage. Considerations such as how expenses will be divided and what happens if one person's circumstances change are much easier to address before closing than after a disagreement arises. Decide How You Will Own the Property One of the first decisions co-buyers will need to make is how title to the property will be held. The form of ownership can affect each person's rights in the property and what happens to an owner's interest if that person dies. The deed should also accurately reflect the ownership arrangement the buyers intend. A 50/50 split may make sense when both people are contributing equally, but that may not always be the case. One buyer might provide most of the down payment while the other contributes more toward the monthly mortgage or improvements to the property. Those differences should be discussed before the purchase. Simply contributing more money does not necessarily mean that a person will automatically receive a greater ownership interest or be entitled to reimbursement later. Buyers should understand how their contributions relate to their legal ownership and document their intentions accordingly. Plan for the Costs of Owning the Home The purchase price is only the beginning of the financial relationship between co-owners. Mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utilities, routine maintenance, and major repairs all create ongoing obligations. A written agreement can establish how those expenses will be divided and how decisions about the property will be made. It can also address less predictable situations. If the roof needs to be replaced, for example, are both owners responsible for half? What if one owner pays for a significant renovation that increases the property's value? What happens if one person temporarily cannot contribute toward the mortgage? Working through these questions in advance can prevent uncertainty about whether a payment was intended as a shared expense, a loan, or an additional investment in the property. Co-owners should also understand that ownership of the home and responsibility for the mortgage are separate issues. The names appearing on the deed determine ownership, while the loan documents determine who is legally responsible for repaying the mortgage. The way those documents are structured can have significant consequences for both parties. Consider What Happens If One Person Wants Out It may feel uncomfortable to discuss the end of a living arrangement while preparing to buy a home together, but it is one of the most important conversations unmarried co-buyers can have. Circumstances change. One person may want to relocate, experience a financial setback, enter a new relationship, or simply decide that joint ownership no longer works. Without an agreement, the owners may disagree about whether the property should be sold, whether one person can buy out the other, or how the home's value should be determined. A co-ownership agreement can establish a process before those issues arise. It might address how a buyout will work, how the property will be valued, how sale proceeds will be divided, and what happens if the owners cannot agree about whether to sell. The agreement can also address what should happen if an owner dies and how that person's interest in the property will be handled. Contact Deppman Law PLC  Buying a home together is a significant financial commitment, regardless of the relationship between the buyers. Taking the time to establish a clear ownership arrangement and put expectations in writing can help protect both parties and reduce the potential for disputes later. If you are considering purchasing Vermont real estate with a partner, friend, or family member, contact Deppman Law PLC for guidance on structuring the purchase and creating a co-ownership agreement that addresses your needs.

Buying a Small Business in Vermont and What to Know Before You Sign

June 17, 2026
Buying an existing business can be an appealing alternative to starting one from scratch. The customer base, employees, equipment, vendor relationships, and operating history may already be in place. But a business that looks successful from the outside can come with obligations and risks that are not immediately apparent. Before signing a purchase agreement, buyers should understand exactly what obligations may come with the transaction and whether the business is in the financial and legal position the seller has represented. Look Beyond the Financial Statements Financial records are an important part of evaluating a potential acquisition, but due diligence should extend well beyond revenue and profitability. A buyer should review the business's tax records, debts, pending or threatened litigation, insurance coverage, licenses and permits, and any liens or other claims involving business assets. Existing contracts also deserve careful attention. Agreements with customers, vendors, suppliers, lenders, and other third parties can have a significant impact on the value of the business. Some contracts may be transferred to a new owner, while others require consent or contain provisions allowing the other party to terminate the agreement after a change in ownership. If the business operates from leased property, the commercial lease can be equally important. Buyers should understand how much time remains on the lease, renewal options, rent increases, maintenance obligations, and whether the landlord must approve an assignment or a new lease. Vermont buyers should also be aware of state-specific obligations that can arise in connection with a business transfer. For example, Vermont law includes notice requirements involving certain bulk transfers of business assets and provisions that may affect a buyer that continues the operations of an existing employer. Know the Value of What You Are Buying Employees can be one of a business's most valuable assets, particularly when customer relationships or specialized knowledge depend on particular people. Before closing, buyers should understand the existing workforce, compensation and benefits, employment agreements, accrued obligations, and any ongoing employment disputes. In Vermont, acquiring and continuing an existing business can also have implications for unemployment insurance. Under certain circumstances, an acquiring business may be treated as a successor employer, and the predecessor's experience-rating record may transfer to the successor. Buyers should also identify precisely which physical and intangible assets are included in the purchase. Depending on the business, that might include equipment, inventory, vehicles, intellectual property, websites and domain names, customer information, trade names, or other valuable rights. It is important to determine not only that the seller possesses these assets, but also whether they are subject to liens or security interests that need to be addressed before closing. Asset Purchase or Equity Purchase? One of the most important decisions in structuring an acquisition is whether to purchase the assets of the business or the ownership interests in the company itself. In an asset purchase, the buyer generally purchases specifically identified assets and assumes only the liabilities identified in the agreement, subject to applicable law. This structure can give the parties greater ability to define what is — and is not — part of the transaction. In an equity purchase, the buyer purchases ownership of the existing company. The business entity continues to own its assets and remain subject to its contractual obligations and liabilities. That makes a careful investigation of the company's history particularly important. Neither structure is automatically better. Tax consequences, contracts, licenses, liabilities, financing, and the buyer's plans for the business can all influence how a transaction should be structured. Contact Deppman Law PLC Purchasing a business is a significant investment, and issues discovered after closing can be far more difficult and expensive to address than those identified during negotiations. An attorney can help evaluate the proposed transaction, conduct legal due diligence, identify potential risks, and prepare or review the agreements necessary to protect the buyer's interests. If you are considering buying a business in Vermont, contact Deppman Law PLC to learn more about the acquisition process and the steps you can take before signing.