Creating trusts for specially-abled children: A practical how-to

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Selecting a health plan for kids with special needs Khare has decided to appoint herself, her husband, and two close relatives as trustees to look after her son. "The second line of trustees could be sons and daughters of our siblings, but we never know who would move abroad or stay in India. or be in the same city where my son lives.

We want to streamline everything so that we can clearly explain the need in terms of time and effort to future trustees who will outlive us," she said. Similarly, Kawariya has appointed one relative each from his side and his wife's side to take care of their daughter in their absence. But what about those like Chopra who are not being able to identify a family member as a trustee? According to Solanki, the solution may lie in other families that are looking for trustees.

"So, I become a trustee in your trust and you become a trustee in my trust. That is how people are trying to find a solution," he explained. Alternatively, one can find trustees from NGOs, residential homes or entities where one's child goes for therapy.

"Representatives of such places can become one of the trustees. The trust should ensure that another representative of the same place can replace him or her if the first representative is no longer around," said Solanki. According to experts, it is always better to appoint multiple trustees.

"At least two trustees are required in a private family trust. There is no limit on the maximum number. Anywhere between 2-5 is a good number," he added.

One can even consider appointing a corporate trustee. Nextgen Estate Planning, Warmond Trustees, and Khaitan & Co, provide trusteeship services for a fee. "In India, corporate trusteeship services are expensive and only those with a