But what if you could not be there for your child? Most parents are so busy working tirelessly to make life better for their children that they don't have time to stop and think about what their departure from this earth could mean for their kids.
Just how serious an issue this is was recently revealed by an incident in Ottawa. Laurie Aylsworth, 49, died after a long bout with cancer, leaving behind three sons, including her eldest, Cedric, a quadraplegic with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities.
An article in the Ottawa Citizen revealed that local officials had no idea when permanent accomodations for Mr. Alysworth would become available. Nor could they way whether Cedric would be considered mentally competent to care for himself, or failing that, who would be his legal guardian.
Yes, Cedric entered what we might call "social services limbo". The sad thing is, much of this tragic situation was preventable.
With the proper legal and financial counsel, parents can ensure that they have developed the will, trusts, trustees, and other arrangements that may be essential to securing their child's future. For example, many parents are not aware that their children's inheritance will be accessed by government if they are in receipt of disability benefits. It is a little known fact that special trusts can be set up to protect those funds!
If you would like more information, please contact me, snn@cheerful.com and I will be happy to put you in touch with some appropriate professionals.
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