Planning for Your Loved One’s Future

Your loved one with LGS may need someone to make decisions for them for their entire life.

Without a written plan, decisions about care, finances, and guardianship may be left to the court system or individuals who may not fully understand your loved one’s needs and wishes. That’s why planning ahead can be especially important for families living with LGS.

August is National Make-A-Will Month, a national reminder to take this important step to protect your loved ones, document your wishes, and create greater peace of mind for the future. That’s why we’re sharing free resources to help families and supporters understand the importance of planning ahead and make getting started easier.

Free Resources to Help You Get Started

Creating a will does not have to feel overwhelming. These resources can help you learn more about the process, understand your options, and take the next step toward creating a plan that reflects your family’s needs.

  1. Freewill.com: A free online tool to create your will in about 20 minutes. Valid in all 50 states, and it prints a summary of your answers. It cannot create the special needs trust your loved one needs, so read the checklist first and bring the summary to an attorney.
  2. Guardianships and Conservatorships: This information will help you understand how to take legal action that grants an adult legal authority to make decisions for another person.
  3. Special Needs Alliance: Find an attorney who does this work specifically
  4. The Arc’s Center for Future Planning – Future planning guides and a free letter of intent template

Once you’ve taken steps to protect your own family, some supporters also choose to extend that impact by helping future LGS families.

Leave a Lasting Legacy

If the LGS Foundation has been part of your family’s story, you’re welcome to name us in your plans. Gifts like these are part of what powers our Powering Breakthroughs plan to find better treatments and cures for LGS, including our commitment to care for every stage of life as one of the 3 Grand Challenges we’re working on.

Interested in learning how you can include the LGS Foundation in your plans?

LEARN MORE ABOUT LEGACY GIVING

 

Updated 08/10/26 (AM)

Also in this section