Our daughter was born one year ago, and she has spina bifida. My husband and I are aware that we are going to need to make some financial plans for her future. Where can we go to find out what we need to do?

It is good that you realize the importance of long term financial planning for individuals with developmental disabilities, and that you are choosing to begin those plans early in your child’s life. There are two organizations in Missouri that can assist families with estate planning: Missouri Family Trust and Life Care Planning. The Missouri Family Trust assists families of any income level establish a way to make contributions into a trust plan. You can reach this program by calling 888-671-1069 or via their web site at www.missourifamilytrust.org.

Life Care Planning is a not-for-profit corporation; organized to help parents financially support the future care of their child with a disability and to see that the individual receives quality care. Included in their services are establishing a trust, providing for the care of an individual with disabilities in a will, helping to select a guardian or conservator, if needed, and assistance in the selection of a trust administrator. The family pays a small fee for services provided. Life Care Planning can be reached at 877-931-1313.