ESTATE PLANNING

Special Needs Planning Group

An estate planning guide for families of people with a disability, titled
“Removing the Mystery”, was developed by the founder of the Special
Needs Planning Group. Since 1997, the Special Needs Planning Group's
sole purpose has been to assist families in establishing plans which will
provide their family members with a disability with a decent quality
of life for their entire lifetime while at the same time, preserving their
entitlement to government support programs. The Special Needs
Planning Group provides information on wills, trusts, tax programs, and
investment vehicles, to name a few, that is specific to families caring for
a child with a disability.

This guide provides an in depth look at planning issues which commonly
affect families who have family members with disabilities. This guide can
be used by families, lawyers, accountants and/or planners. “Removing the
Mystery” explores such topics as:

Selecting an Estate Planning Professional;

• ODSP Benefits and Entitlements;
• Wills and Trusts;
• Henson Trusts;
• Trustee Selection and Duties;
• Planning Giving; and
• Probate Fees.
  

It is designed to benefit all families regardless of the disability of their
family member. It can be previewed on the Ontario Federation for Cerebral
Palsy's website at: www.ofcp.on.ca/ltp_resources.html. In addition, it can
be purchased in CD- ROM format from the OFCP for $9.95 or in paper
format for $29.95.

For more information on the Special Needs Planning Group visit the
website at: www.specialneedsplanning.ca/index.html

Bloorview Kids Rehab

Bloorview Kids Rehab provides general information on estate planning in
a tip sheet called “Tips on Estate Planning for Special Needs Families.” It
can be accessed at:
www.bloorview.ca/webpdfs/tipestate.pdf

Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee

In addition, The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee can
provide assistance and information regarding guardianship, wills,
pestate planning, power of attorney, and substitute decision making by
calling 1-800-366-0335.

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