Top planning for children with special needs financial advisors working with high-net-worth individuals in Walnut Creek, 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 care and financial security becomes a priority. Without focused expertise, advisors might overlook critical benefits or legal protections that affect your child's future.
- Benefit coordination. Confirm how the advisor integrates government benefits like SSI or Medicaid with your financial plan to avoid disqualifying your child.
- Trust and guardianship knowledge. Ask about experience setting up special needs trusts and legal guardianships tailored to your state's rules.
- Long-term care planning. Ensure they consider your child's evolving needs over decades, not just immediate expenses.
- High-net-worth considerations. Look for advisors who understand how wealth impacts eligibility for public assistance and can balance asset protection accordingly.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Elena C
Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
Wells Fargo Advisors
Elena Carolan specializes in planning for children with special needs and serves high-net-worth clients in Walnut Creek, CA, leveraging her Series 66 designation and experience at Wells Fargo Advisors. Her background includes expertise in divorce financial planning and business exit strategies, supported by a large firm's resources, which may offer broader investment and planning tools compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $514,335
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Laura C
CFP®
Sausalito, CA
Balanced Financial Advisors
Laura Chernov specializes in planning for children with special needs and serves high-net-worth clients, making her well-equipped to address complex financial and legal considerations in Walnut Creek, CA. As a CFP® and founder of Balanced Financial Advisors, she offers a disciplined investment approach using Modern Portfolio Theory, with fee options including a 1% AUM charge and hourly consulting rates, distinguishing her from other advisors by combining deep expertise with flexible service models.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $1,872,011
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Paul M
Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
Wells Fargo Clearing
Paul Meyer specializes in planning for children with special needs and serves high-net-worth clients in Walnut Creek, CA, leveraging his background in education to understand family needs deeply. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he offers flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, providing access to extensive wealth management resources compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $475,575
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