Making a will
A will sets out your wishes so nothing is left to chance. If you die without a will the law will determine how your estate is divided, this could be very different to what you want and it can be complicated.
Making a will that specifically provides for a family member with an intellectual disability ensures that their future financial needs are met.
Wills should be revised regularly. Any bequests or trusts set out in your will don’t come into effect until you die, so they can be changed by you at any time.
Trusts
Family trusts are designed to protect our assets. Setting up a trust for your family member with an intellectual disability could enhance the quality of their life while not limiting the government funding they receive.
A trust is able to own, buy, sell and manage assets. Its terms and powers are contained in a trust document.
Setting up a trust can assist parents and their family member with an intellectual disability by:
- Helping with the day-to-day administration of their affairs
- Investing surplus capital through the trust in a way that the capital remains as a family asset
- Leaving your assets to the trust when you die, but on the death of your family member with an intellectual disability, the assets can go to other members of your family
- Assisting a family member with an intellectual disability into their own home
Support for future planning
The IHC library has several resources to assist future planning including, Preparing for the Future and Living well: thinking and planning for the end of your life.
You can call the IHC free phone on 0800 442 442 to request these resources.
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