These trusts help preserve eligibility for government benefits while providing flexible support for daily living. By removing assets from the beneficiary’s direct ownership, families can fund education, medical needs, and meaningful activities without triggering loss of essential programs. A well-structured trust can reduce family stress and ensure future security.
Preserving eligibility remains central. A comprehensive approach helps maintain access to essential programs while allowing supplemental support, education, and enrichment activities that improve the beneficiary’s quality of life without compromising benefits.
Choosing a law firm with experience in Maryland estate planning helps ensure compliance with local rules and efficient handling of documents. We collaborate with clients to develop tailored plans that meet current needs and adapt to future changes.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal instrument that holds assets for the benefit of a person with a disability without disqualifying essential government benefits. It allows for supplemental support, improving daily living, education, and healthcare while maintaining eligibility. Properly drafted, it is funded from permitted sources and managed by a trustee who follows precise guidelines.
A Trustee can be a family member, friend, or a professional fiduciary. The right choice balances trust, accountability, and the ability to manage distributions in line with the beneficiary’s needs and plans. We help you assess options, confirm qualifications, and set expectations for duties, reporting, and confidentiality to ensure a smooth, compliant administration that protects the beneficiary’s interests over time.
The trust is designed to supplement, not replace, government benefits. Properly drafted, distributions do not count toward eligibility, allowing ongoing support for healthcare, education, and daily living. We monitor changes in rules and adjust the plan to maintain compliance and protection for the long term, ensuring continued security for the beneficiary even as family circumstances evolve and programs update.
A Special Needs Trust typically cannot be revoked in the same way as a standard revocable trust. It may be amended or terminated under specific conditions and with court or trustee consent. We explain the options and help you choose the best path for preserving benefits while addressing changing needs to maintain stability for years to come.
Fees vary depending on complexity, documents, and funding strategy. We provide transparent pricing and a clear scope of work before starting, with options for phased work to fit budgets. Ongoing services, reviews, and updates may have separate arrangements. We discuss these details upfront so you know what to expect and how long processes typically take in your case ahead.
Yes. We offer virtual meetings to accommodate clients across Maryland and beyond. Remote consultations cover questions, document review, and initial planning steps, with secure payments and flexible scheduling. In-person visits remain available when preferred. We tailor the format to fit your needs while delivering practical guidance and timely responses throughout the process as needed.
Guardianship concerns the person’s daily care, while a Special Needs Trust handles financial matters. We help distinguish roles, prepare guardianship documents if needed, and ensure the trust coordinates with care plans. Clear planning reduces conflict and provides a stable framework for caregivers. We guide families through decisions, court filings if required, and ongoing coordination with trustees and service providers over time.
Typical documentation includes beneficiary medical records, proof of assets, current benefit statements, and identity verification. We also request family contact information, powers of attorney, and any existing wills or trusts. We provide a detailed checklist and guide you through uploading documents securely, with reminders and support to keep the process organized for timely completion as needed.
Processing time depends on the complexity of the trust, funding sources, and any needed court filings. A straightforward plan often completes within two to eight weeks. We strive to provide realistic timelines after an initial assessment and keep you informed at each milestone throughout the process, with status updates, questions answered promptly, and options reviewed if changes arise.
Yes. Our services extend to post-death administration, including coordination with beneficiaries, final tax matters, asset distribution, and ensuring the trust winds down properly in accordance with all applicable laws. We guide families through probate-related steps, asset transfers, and fulfillment of outstanding obligations, while preserving the beneficiary’s interests and complying with all applicable requirements at every stage.
