Special needs trusts offer stability by safeguarding government benefits while providing funds for essential supports. They can reduce family financial risk, preserve eligibility for programs like Medicaid, and empower caregivers to plan for daily living expenses, healthcare, and education. Thoughtful planning aligns long term care with available programs and supports the person you care about.
Enhanced security and peace of mind come from knowing that care arrangements are documented, funded, and aligned with public program rules. Families gain confidence that a plan will withstand changes in guardians, markets, and regulations.
Choosing a trusted team makes a difference when planning for a loved one with a disability. We bring accessible communication, transparent pricing, and a collaborative approach that puts your family first. Our goal is to help you build a durable plan that respects dignity and supports long term independence.
After finalization, we provide handover materials, contacts for key professionals, and guidance on how to monitor the plan. Ongoing access to documents and updates helps families respond to changes with confidence.
A special needs trust is a legal device that holds assets for the benefit of someone with a disability. It is designed to supplement, not replace, government benefits, and is carefully drafted to avoid disqualifying the beneficiary from programs such as Medicaid or SSI. Funding the trust involves transferring assets while ensuring proper titling and governance. A trustee manages distributions in line with the beneficiary’s needs and program rules. Regular reviews help respond to changes in care requirements or benefit regulations.
The trustee should be someone who is trustworthy, organized, and capable of managing money in a way that respects the beneficiary’s needs. This can be a family member, a trusted friend, or a professional fiduciary. Legal guidance helps ensure fiduciary duties are clear. Consider alternates, successor trustees, and the potential need for professional management to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure reliability.
A properly drafted trust can preserve eligibility by not counting towards the beneficiary’s assets. Income and distributions from the trust are planned to avoid disqualifying income. Medicaid planning should be integrated into the overall strategy. By coordinating with professionals, families can maximize protections while maintaining access to essential services.
Costs include legal fees for drafting, filings, and initial funding support. There may be annual administration fees charged by the trustee or professional management. We can provide an estimate after reviewing your goals. Additional costs may arise from professional coordination and document updates as laws and needs change.
Funding with a home often requires careful titling and transfer deeds. A primary residence can be placed into a trust as part of the plan, but it may affect base rules and eligibility depending on state law and program rules. We’ll review options. Other assets like savings or investments can be moved to the trust with proper documentation.
If a payback provision exists, remaining trust assets may be used to reimburse government programs that provided benefits. If the trust is designed with no payback, remaining assets may pass to named beneficiaries or charities according to the trust terms. Provisions should be reviewed with an experienced attorney.
First party SNTs are funded with the beneficiary’s own assets and may include payback provisions. Third party SNTs are funded with assets given by someone else and generally do not require payback. Both are designed to supplement needs without compromising benefits. The choice depends on funding sources and planning goals.
Timeline depends on client readiness, complexity, and government requirements. Typically, initial planning can take several weeks, drafting a trust might take another few weeks, and funding and setup conclude within a few additional weeks, assuming documents, signatures, and funding sources are ready. Delays can occur if signatures or assets are not readily available.
We serve Maryland families with a focus on estate planning and special needs planning. Contact our firm to arrange a consultation, learn about options, and begin building a durable plan that protects benefits and supports daily life. Our team provides clear explanations, practical steps, and ongoing support.
