How We Partner Together
As part of All Needs Planning holistic approach, we are in constant communication with the professionals working on your Special Needs Master Plan.
We found that families have a better outcome when service providers work alongside each other versus the traditional referral program. Your family’s team of professionals work in synergy to develop and execute your Master Plan under the common goal of protect, grow, and care to provide support, stewardship, and independence.
How The Process Works
Navigating legal, financial, and personal planning can be complex, but with the All Needs Planning program by Gravis Law, you are in capable hands. Our comprehensive process ensures that every aspect of your or your loved one’s needs is meticulously addressed. Here’s how it works:
Initial Consultation
What to Expect: During our first meeting, we take the time to understand your unique situation, goals, and concerns. This consultation is all about you – your needs, your questions, and your objectives.
Your Role: Come prepared to share details about your current circumstances and any existing plans or documents you have in place.
Comprehensive Assessment
What We Do: Our team conducts a thorough assessment covering all aspects of your life or the life of your loved one, including legal, financial, health, and personal needs.
Outcome: This assessment helps us identify any gaps in your current planning and areas where additional support or resources may be needed.
Special Needs Master Plan
Customized Strategy: For families and individuals with special needs, we develop a Special Needs Master Plan. This plan includes tailored legal documents, financial strategies, healthcare directives, and personal care plans designed to provide long-term security and support.
Your Involvement: We work closely with you to ensure the plan aligns with your wishes and goals, making adjustments as necessary to address the specific needs of your situation.
Personalized Planning
Comprehensive Plan: Beyond the Special Needs Master Plan, we develop a holistic, personalized plan that addresses all identified needs. This includes wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other essential documents.
Collaborative Approach: We ensure that every element of the plan works together seamlessly, coordinating with financial advisors, healthcare providers, and other specialists.
Implementation
Taking Action: Once the plan is finalized, we assist with the implementation process. This includes drafting and executing legal documents, setting up financial accounts, and coordinating with other professionals as needed.
Support: Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that each component of the plan is properly established and functional.
Ongoing Support and Updates
Continuous Monitoring: Life is dynamic, and so are your needs. We provide ongoing support to monitor your plan, making adjustments as circumstances change.
Regular Reviews: We schedule regular check-ins to review and update your plan, ensuring it remains effective and relevant over time.
Expert Collaboration
Team Approach: We collaborate with a network of trusted professionals, including financial advisors, healthcare providers, and other specialists, to provide a holistic approach to your planning.
Seamless Coordination: Our goal is to streamline the process, reducing the stress and complexity of managing multiple aspects of your life plan.
By following this structured process, Gravis Law ensures that all your needs are met with precision and care, providing peace of mind and a clear path forward. With the All Needs Planning program and our Special Needs Master Plan, you can rest assured that you have a dedicated team supporting you every step of the way.
Uncomplicating access to world class legal services.
Special Needs Trusts
Estate planning attorneys can establish special needs trusts (SNTs) to manage assets and funds for the benefit of the individual with special needs without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Guardianship and Conservatorship Legal Proceedings
In the event of a disagreement with the Court Order or a contested guardianship, our attorneys can assist with the legal proceedings to ensure that the right responsible individual is appointed to make decisions related to the individual’s personal and financial affairs if they are unable to do so themselves.
Comprehensive Estate Plans
Estate planning attorneys can create comprehensive estate plans that address the unique needs of families with individuals who have special needs, including wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and other legal documents to provide guidance and protection in various scenarios.
Government Benefit Appeals and Hearings
Attorneys can assist with the appeal process for denied government benefit requests and attend hearings if necessary to maximize available resources, enhance the individual’s quality of life, and meet specific needs.
Coordination with Other Professionals
Estate planning attorneys often collaborate with financial planners, accountants, and other professionals to develop holistic plans that address financial, legal, and care-related aspects of caring for someone with special needs.
An essential checklist for individuals with special needs
Our team is built for you
Chief Engagement Officer
Randi L. Johnson
Randi Johnson is a confident and accomplished professional, committed to public service, community engagement, and defending joy in all places. Randi’s entry into the legal industry was driven by her desire to contribute and help others. She guides her clients by presenting legal options, empowering them to make informed decisions.
After successfully building her own law firm, Randi’s passion for the business side of legal services led her to Gravis Law, where she now serves as the Chief Engagement Officer, assisting talented attorneys in building their practices and leading marketing and communications.
As a servant leader, Randi actively served on the Board of Directors for the WA State Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund (Governmental Appointment) and the National Association of Women Business Owners – NW Chapter. She is also a founding member and Active Chair of ConnectHER Idaho and an Executive Committee Member and on the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. In addition, she is a proud Girl Scout Troop Leader and Co-Founder of the Spokane/CDA Area Ladies Networking Group (LadyBoss), inspiring and empowering women in their professional journeys.
Practice Areas/Specialties
Managing Attorney
Michelle Finch
Michelle grew up in Thompson Falls, Montana and graduated from Eastern Montana College. Michelle graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law, Cum Laude, in 1985 and has practiced law in Boise, Idaho since 1985 and in Montana since 1993. Her Montana roots run deep with family in western Montana, Livingston/Paradise Valley and central Montana.
Michelle is known for her advocacy, compassion and dedication to her clients’ interests and goals. She recognizes that legal issues involving family members are personal and can be emotionally charged and works to resolve the issues at hand outside of the courtroom when possible. In cases where resolution is not possible without the assistance of the court, Michelle advocates for her clients in contested family law, guardianship, conservatorship, probate and trust cases in Montana and Idaho.
Michelle is a member of the Montana State Bar, Family Law Section, and BETTR Law Section; the Idaho State Bar Trust, Taxation and Probate Section; the Idaho Supreme Court’s Guardianship and Conservatorship Committee; the Idaho Guardianship and Fiduciary Association; the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys; the NW Montana Estate Planning Council; the Idaho State Bar, Family Law Section; Northwest Montana Estate Planning Counsel, Business Networking International (BNI), and Idaho Guardian and Fiduciary Association (IGFA). She is a former chairperson of the Idaho State Bar Trust, Taxation and Probate Section; the Ada County Board of Community Guardians; and a former member of the Canyon County Organization on Aging.
Outside of the office, Michelle can be found trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, contra dancing, gardening, watching her youngest daughter play goalkeeper for the Boise State University Women’s Soccer Team and enjoying time with her three daughters, her family and friends.
Practice Areas/Specialties
Senior Attorney/Principal
Penelope S. Gaffney
Raised in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, Penelope S. Gaffney is an experienced and professional attorney who is known for her advocacy, compassion, and dedication to her clients’ interests and goals. She recognizes that legal issues involving family members are personal and can be emotionally charged and works to resolve the issues at hand outside of the courtroom when possible. In cases where resolution is not possible without the assistance of the court, Penelope advocates for her clients in contested family law, guardianship, conservatorship, probate, and trust cases.
Penelope feels that planning for the management and distribution of your assets after death is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family or community. Her proudest professional achievement has been winning the Denise O’Donnell Award for pro bono service.
When she is not at work, Penelope enjoys hiking, reading, river rafting, cross-country skiing, cooking, and traveling. She is a board member of Nations United Soccer (a grassroots soccer program for refugee children in Boise) and a former board member of Anser Public Charter School.
Penelope also participates in trail cleanup through Idaho Rivers United, and she is a member of the Idaho State Bar Trust, Taxation and Probate Section, the Family Law Section, and the Ethics and Professionalism Section. She is also a member of the Richard C. Fields Inns of Court and the Idaho Women Lawyers.