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Forum: Happy to help those with special needs dependants with estate planning

Forum: Happy to help those with special needs dependants with estate planning

Straits Times15-05-2025

Forum: Happy to help those with special needs dependants with estate planning
I am certain the Opinion piece 'Caregivers need more support. We owe it to them' (May 15) will help to raise awareness among Singaporeans about the challenges faced by caregivers of special needs dependants or persons with special needs (PSNs) in our society, and the help they need.
While it is necessary to improve financial and care support systems, we should also raise public awareness of customised estate planning solutions needed for families with PSNs, who are unable to live independently by themselves. PSNs could be minor children, adult children, or adult members such as spouses, parents and relatives.
Caregivers of such PSNs have serious concerns about how to ensure their PSNs will be cared for and provided for throughout their lifetime, if they themselves should suffer loss of mental capacity or when they die. Such customised estate planning solutions are usually beyond the scope and capability of charity organisations and churches. These caregivers should approach professionals experienced in offering consultation and solutions in estate planning for families with special needs dependants or PSNs.
I have been conducting educational talks since 2022 to charities and churches on this topic, on a pro bono basis, and would be happy to offer free consultations for families with special needs dependants.
Lim Jui Seck
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