ESTATES & TRUSTS SUPPORT

To legal and financial professionals who serve families in special needs cases, By Their Side is the independent disabilities resource they can depend upon to provide valuable advice in developing the Life Plan and to serve as personal advocates for the family member during the Life Plan implementation, as proven by our history with the family and knowledge and experience in the field of disability services.

Families who wish to establish a special needs trust often face a difficult problem:  Who will guide the use of the trust's funds for the benefit of their loved one?

• Siblings or other relatives may not live nearby, may not have the time or the expertise necessary to advocate for their loved one and look after his/her best interests, or may need professional help in carrying out these responsibilities.

• Professional trustees (e.g. banks and lawyers) often need help from disabilities professionals who can maintain a personal relationship with the beneficiary, devote the time needed to follow the beneficiary's personal needs and desires, and advocate on his or her behalf with govenment agencies and service providers. 

This issue is so difficult that families often put off estate planning for years.

We understand your concerns.

For more than 40 years, our organization has been working with Marylanders with developmental disabilities and their families. When you join By Their Side, we will get to know both you and your family member well. We know how to navigate the complexities of the state support system on your behalf and we will advocate for placements with appropriate state-funded programs. We will participate in the formulation of appropriate service plans, and follow up to make sure they are carried out in accordance with his/her best interests.