Protecting Loved Ones Who May Be Struggling

September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness, foster compassion, and shine a light on those living with mental health challenges. For many families, this awareness leads to an important question: how can estate planning help protect loved ones who may be vulnerable?

Estate Planning as a Safety Net

While estate planning is often thought of as a financial or legal exercise, at its heart it is about care, protection, and stability. For family members who may struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, thoughtful planning can serve as a safety net that reduces stress, prevents crises, and preserves dignity.

Tools That Can Help

• Special Needs Trusts
  These trusts allow families to set aside funds for a loved one’s benefit without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits. More importantly, they ensure that resources are managed responsibly and in the individual’s best interest.
  
• Supported Decision-Making Agreements
  Instead of removing a person’s rights through guardianship, supported decision-making arrangements provide a structure where trusted family members or friends help guide decisions—empowering the individual while offering needed support.
  
• Carefully Chosen Guardians or Agents
  Choosing the right person to serve as a guardian, trustee, or agent under a power of attorney can make all the difference. The right choice can protect vulnerable assets, oversee care, and ensure your loved one has someone steady in their corner.
  

More Than Finances—It’s About Stability and Dignity

At its core, estate planning for families with vulnerable loved ones is not about legal documents—it’s about peace of mind. It’s about knowing that your family member will not be left to navigate life’s challenges alone, that their financial and emotional needs are accounted for, and that they are treated with dignity and compassion.

The Takeaway

Planning isn’t just about money—it’s about people. For families worried about a loved one who may be struggling, taking the time to create a thoughtful plan can provide stability in uncertain times and help preserve what matters most: their safety, their well-being, and their sense of belonging.