Large-firm, planning for children with special needs financial advisors in Gaithersburg, MD
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
When you're planning for a child with special needs, you need an advisor who understands the unique financial and legal challenges involved. A common mistake is overlooking how estate and inheritance taxes in Maryland can affect your long-term plans.
- Comprehensive tax knowledge. Confirm the advisor is familiar with Maryland's estate and inheritance taxes and how they impact your family's financial security.
- Special needs trust expertise. Ask how they help set up and manage trusts designed to protect your child's benefits and assets.
- Coordination with specialists. Look for advisors who work closely with attorneys and care coordinators to align financial plans with your child's care needs.
- Large-firm resources. Advisors at large firms often have access to broader support teams and specialized services that can benefit complex planning situations.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Meagan S
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 66
Olney, MD
Edward Jones
Meagan Sexton specializes in planning for children with special needs and inheritance planning, supported by her CFP® and ChFC® designations and eight years of experience. Working at Edward Jones, a large firm with extensive resources, she offers a comprehensive approach including estate planning guidance and serves diverse clients such as government employees and intergenerational families in the Olney, MD area.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Dante L
Series 66
Reston, VA
Merrill
Dante Lavender specializes in planning for children with special needs and operates within a large firm, Merrill, which provides extensive resources for complex financial situations. With 3 years of industry experience and expertise in wealth management, college savings, and estate planning, he offers a 1.10% AUM fee structure and serves diverse clients including young families and the LGBTQIA community from his Reston, VA location.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Richard M
Series 63, Series 65
Miami Beach, FL
Wells Fargo Advisors
Richard Mercado's 32 years of experience and focus on planning for children with special needs make him well-equipped to address the unique financial challenges in Gaithersburg, MD. As part of Wells Fargo Advisors, a large firm, he offers access to extensive resources and integrates comprehensive planning services including estate and wealth-transfer strategies, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm affiliations.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $514,335
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