Mental Health Matters

Safeguarding Futures with Dr. Debra Silberstein

Todd Weatherly
Audio Player
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Are you prepared to safeguard your loved ones with mental health challenges through meticulous estate planning? Join us as we unravel the complexities of creating special needs trusts with Dr. Deborah Silberstein, a leading authority in trusts and estate planning with Rubin & Rudman in Boston. Dr. Silberstein shares insightful real-life examples, including a poignant case study of a family with a schizophrenic son, to highlight the nuances and best practices in protecting vulnerable beneficiaries while preserving essential government benefits. 

Transitioning to crisis preparedness, we stress the importance of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) for individuals living with mental illness. Discover how a WRAP can provide a proactive framework for health and crisis situations, potentially even influencing court outcomes. We also delve into alternatives to guardianship, such as healthcare proxies and powers of attorney, to manage health and financial matters more autonomously. Learn the critical distinctions between advanced directives and healthcare proxies, ensuring that appointed agents are well-guided by detailed wishes.

Lastly, we navigate the intricate world of psychiatric advanced directives, particularly for those with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Dr. Silberstein addresses common challenges, including resistance from psychiatrists and the need for flexibility in care plans. Join us for an episode that reveals the value of working with knowledgeable attorneys to avoid common pitfalls and ensure comprehensive future planning.