b'ance is a must.Emergency medical visits or crisis situations call for frequent time away from any job.To add insult to injury, the social security system presents its own set of challenges. What happens if these exhausted parents snap, become disabled,What happens if these exhausted or pass away?With their proverbial rock gone, the children can unravel, and someone needs to step in to help.In my experi- parents snap, become disabled, ence, the biggest challenge the parents face is finding someone willing to take over for them.Relatives are understandably waryor pass away?With their of the tasks at handbut there are ways to ease the transition. Firstly, act ahead of time.Identify who will assume control whenproverbial rock gone, the children By Colin Smith | Contributor you can no longer do so.Apply or have a plan for applying for social security or guardianship now or in the future.Educate andcan unravel, and someone prepare your successorthey should know what is in place now, where it is located, and what to do if something happens to you. needs to step in to help.Secondly, anticipate and plan the future.If you pass away, will your child live at home, with others, or is a community a better fit?Will they work, and what happens if they cant?Evaluate how you would handle each situation and write them down.Knowing your preferences relieves your successor of a huge burden. litically.Mental health is a huge issue today, and it affects us all. Thirdly, have an estate plan completed and in place to supportThose who desperately need help can easily fall through the sys-your decisions.Your child or your estate plan may need a sup- tems cracks.Organizations are increasingly short of volunteers plemental or special needs trust (the terms are interchangeable.)and funds, so see how you can help today.This tool allows the child to receive government assistance while they have access to other assets, and is an indispensable tool de- Publishers Note: Colin Smith is an estate planning and probate pending on the situation. Your estate plan may decide to payattorney with Colin Smith Law. Ive rarely come across an attor-your childs future guardian or trustee in some way.Make sureney who is as dedicated to his clients, leaving no stone unturned to they know.One of their primary concerns may be what it willprovide services and solutions that are right for you.Reach him at cost them, so this information may bring some peace of mind. colin@colinsmithlaw.com or call 972.773.9095. Lastly, if you arent already, get involved philanthropically or po- www.ColinSmithLaw.com.Join the community for ADLs Walk Against Hate on September 15th at Victory Plaza. For more information and to register please visit our website www.walkagainsthatedallas.orgADL Thanks Our Sponsors$10,000 EQUALITYJewish Federation ofEDGE Realty Partners Donna and HerbAnn ZimmermanChris Kelley, TheKathy and Steve SPONSOR Greater Dallas Weitzman Gallant Kelley Group SchneiderDART GigLanders $1,000 ALLY $5,000 RESPECTLidji Dorey & Hooper SPONSOR Glazer and GlickThe Konig Family Celia and Larry SPONSOR Good Life FamilyGilian and Steve Baron Families SchoenbrunCD WealthLee and Paul MichaelsMagazine Sharon and Chuck Management |Wendy and MarcJoan Berger andLisa and Neil Goldberg Levin The Spice of Life Stanley Palomino Capital LLC Sherwood Weil CateringSusie and Joel Carp Risa Gross Terry and Jeff LevingerStevens Transport Price RealtyBessemer TrustMarc I. SteinbergCindis New York Deli$2,500 CHAMPIONCorporation Amy and Joe Harberg Alan Lidji& Restaurant SPONSOR Cocktails & Caviar Studio 6 FitnessFran and Mark BergThe Retail Connection Marcy Helfand Lillipop ProductionsCynthia and Robert|Betsy and Mark|Ruthie and Alan ShorRachelle and Paul Feldman Kleinman |Lisa and SteveCrane Ynette and Jim Hogue Park Lane PantryLiebermanBerger EngineeringThe Drazin Family Amber Pierce andLisa and Steve RudnerCo. Waters & Kraus, LLP Sam JohnsonGoodLifeFamilyMag.comSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 201947'