What happens to adult kids with disability after you die?

For years, Dan Collins looked after his mother Ros as she got older. But two years ago he acquired a permanent brain injury, forcing his mum — now 95 — to become his full-time carer.

Published: 14 May 2025
  • national
  • 14 May 2025
  • ABC News

Dan, now 66, became ill in 2023 after contracting meningitis. The infection spread to his brain and he spent several months in hospital, including two months unconscious.

He needs support initiating most tasks, including those around the house, and requires supervision…

…Lawyer Stephen Booth, who has spent three decades helping families with loved ones with intellectual disability, said putting plans in place — even if they weren't perfect to start with — was vital.

Mr Booth said carers stuck on where to begin could do so by answering basic questions, such as how many assets they have, how many children they have and how assets will be divided.

That process might also involve thinking about family dynamics and explaining to other children that an uneven split of assets wasn't because of a lack of affection or consideration but based on a child with disability having a greater need.