Special needs trusts provide long-term financial security without jeopardizing eligibility for programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. They help families control how funds are used, designate a trusted successor, and preserve resources for daily living, education, therapy, and future housing.
Enhanced asset protection helps preserve eligibility while managing funds for ongoing care. A unified plan also simplifies reporting and compliance, saving time and reducing the risk of inadvertent mistakes that might jeopardize benefits.
Choosing the right advisor makes a difference. Our team focuses on practical planning, transparent communication, and coordinated care. We tailor strategies to Maryland regulations and your family’s unique needs, helping you secure stability and dignity for beneficiaries.
Our team provides accessible support, responsive communication, and educational resources so families stay empowered. We aim to answer questions promptly and help you navigate every stage of the trust lifecycle.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal arrangement that holds assets for the benefit of a beneficiary who has a disability. It allows funds to cover supplemental needs without disqualifying critical government benefits. The trustee administers distributions according to the trust terms, balancing flexibility with safeguards to protect ongoing support.
Consider a Special Needs Trust if you have a disabled family member, anticipate future asset accumulation, or want to plan for long-term care while preserving benefits. The right trust structure can provide ongoing support without compromising essential government assistance.
If structured correctly, a Special Needs Trust can preserve eligibility for benefits while funding the beneficiary’s additional needs. Improper drafting, however, can affect benefits. We help ensure distributions align with program requirements and stay within allowed limits.
A trustee can be a family member, friend, or a professional fiduciary. The key is selecting someone reliable, financially responsible, and able to manage distributions in the beneficiary’s best interests.
Trust funding may involve cash, securities, or real estate contributed to the trust. We map assets, coordinate transfers, and ensure that funding aligns with the trust’s design, preserving benefits while supporting care.
A pooled trust collects assets from multiple beneficiaries into a single fund managed by a fiduciary, while a separate trust is dedicated to one beneficiary. Each has distinct implications for control, oversight, and benefit eligibility.
The timeline depends on complexity, readiness of documents, and funding decisions. Typical initial planning can take a few weeks to a couple of months, with funding and finalization following as assets are transferred.
You’ll need identification, a list of assets, information about benefits, and details about caregivers and goals. Additional documents may include powers of attorney and advance directives to ensure comprehensive planning.
Costs vary by complexity and scope, including drafting, filing, and ongoing administration. We offer transparent pricing and explain how fees align with the level of service required.
