Top planning for children with special needs financial advisors in San Ramon, CA
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 have a child with special needs, planning for their lifelong financial security is crucial. Without careful preparation, you might overlook key benefits or protections that ensure your child's needs are met over time.
- Government benefits navigation. Confirm how the advisor helps coordinate your child's eligibility for programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid without jeopardizing benefits.
- Special needs trusts. Ask about setting up trusts that protect assets while maintaining your child's access to public assistance.
- Long-term care planning. Ensure the advisor considers future care costs and housing options tailored to your child's unique needs.
- Estate planning integration. Look for guidance on how your overall estate plan supports your child's financial and personal well-being beyond your lifetime.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Patrick C
Series 63, Series 65
Walnut Creek, CA
Merrill
Patrick Cronin's extensive 41 years of experience and specialization in planning for children with special needs make him well-equipped to address complex financial security needs in San Ramon, CA. As a Senior Vice President at Merrill, a large firm, he offers personalized wealth management and tax minimization strategies, serving parents and executives with a 1.10% AUM fee, distinguishing him from other advisors by combining seasoned expertise with a broad service scope.
Experience: 42 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
Paul M
Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
Wells Fargo Clearing
Paul Meyer specializes in planning for children with special needs and brings a unique perspective from his prior experience in education, which may enhance his understanding of family needs. Operating from Walnut Creek, CA, he offers flat-fee services through Wells Fargo Clearing, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, catering to high-net-worth clients with a focus on wealth management and retirement strategies.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $475,575
-
Richard S
Series 63, Series 65
Pleasanton, CA
Wells Fargo Advisors
Richard Schacht specializes in planning for children with special needs and brings 38 years of experience through Wells Fargo Advisors, a large firm known for comprehensive financial and estate planning services. His expertise includes coordinating benefits and trusts, serving high-net-worth clients, and offering tailored strategies supported by proprietary research tools, distinguishing him from other advisors in the San Ramon area.
Experience: 38 years
Avg account: $514,335
-
Simon K
Series 66
Alamo, CA
Edward Jones
Simon Knight specializes in planning for children with special needs and general estate planning guidance, supported by his prior decade of experience with Easter Seals Northern California/Catalight. Operating from a large firm, Edward Jones, he offers a comprehensive approach including business succession and retirement plans, with fees up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or smaller firm resources.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $246,728
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in San Ramon, CA
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)