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984-265-7800
Book Consultation
984-265-7800
Book Consultation
984-265-7800
Book Consultation
984-265-7800
Special needs trusts safeguard eligibility for critical government programs while granting a beneficiary control over funds. They prevent disqualifications due to direct inheritances or large gifts, provide for daily living needs and education, and offer a framework for guardians and families to manage resources with transparency and accountability.
Enhanced care coordination ensures that services, therapies, and supports are aligned with the beneficiary’s goals. A unified plan reduces duplication, clarifies roles, and improves communication among family members, professionals, and care providers.
Choosing the right team matters when planning for lifelong care. Our approach combines practical legal work with empathy and responsiveness. We explain options in plain language, tailor documents to family priorities, and coordinate with healthcare providers, financial planners, and guardians to support a stable, dignified future for your loved one.
Maintaining records, reporting to trustees, and staying compliant with state and federal requirements are essential. We provide templates, checklists, and periodic updates so your plan remains enforceable, transparent, and ready to adapt to changes in guardianship or public benefits.
A Special Needs Trust is a protective arrangement designed to supplement, not replace, means-tested benefits for a person with a disability. It allows for funds to cover extras, while keeping eligibility for Medicaid, SSI, and other programs. Properly drafted, the trust provides clear instructions on how funds may be used, who administers the account, and how distributions support daily living, therapies, education, and enrichment without triggering disqualifications.
In Adelphi, a Special Needs Trust can be an essential part of a comprehensive estate plan. It safeguards benefits while enabling thoughtful care planning, housing, and access to services. Eligibility considerations and state rules guide the decision to set up the trust. Working with an experienced attorney helps ensure the trust aligns with current programs, adapts to future needs, and minimizes risk. You will receive practical explanations, a clear timeline, and ongoing support as life changes.
Yes. A properly drafted trust can preserve government benefits and provide for supplemental expenses. It does not usually reduce SSI or Medicaid benefits directly, but must be structured to avoid disqualifications. A trust must be funded correctly, with a trustee who understands rules and reporting. An attorney can guide funding strategies that protect eligibility while delivering needed supports.
A trustee may be a family member, close trusted advisor, or professional fiduciary. The key is independence, reliability, and a clear understanding of the beneficiary’s needs and the trust terms. We help you assess suitability, confirm fiduciary duties, and prepare a clear succession plan to ensure uninterrupted support if a trustee leaves, becomes unavailable, or requires replacement. Ongoing guidance ensures continuity and compliance with reporting and beneficiary needs.
Yes, often in combination. An ABLE account can cover accessible expenses, while the SNT handles supplemental needs that go beyond the ABLE cap. Coordination between vehicles helps maximize benefits while preserving eligibility. We tailor a plan that uses both tools effectively, documenting how distributions fund care and supports while staying within program limits, and we monitor changes in ABLE and SNT rules to keep your strategy current.
Costs include attorney fees for drafting, review, and coordination with other professionals, plus potential filing, trustee selection, and ongoing maintenance. We provide transparent estimates and offer payment plans to fit your budget. Some clients qualify for reduced costs through pro bono clinics or legal aid programs. We discuss options during the initial consultation and tailor a plan that balances protection with affordability.
Time varies by complexity and funding. A straightforward plan can be in place within a few weeks, while more intricate arrangements may take several months to complete, fund, and implement. We provide a realistic timeline during the initial consultation and keep families informed at each milestone, adjusting schedules as needed to accommodate caregiver obligations and benefit timelines, and life changes.
Yes. Trust provisions can be amended or terminated under certain circumstances, typically with court approval or beneficiary consent where allowed. We outline a plan for updates to reflect changes in health, finances, or family structure. Ongoing reviews with your attorney ensure the trust remains aligned with laws and your goals, enabling timely modifications as needs evolve. This ongoing process protects interests, avoids tax pitfalls, and keeps care coordination intact.
Key documents include identification, asset lists, existing wills or trusts, beneficiary information, and any governmental benefit notices. Gathering these early speeds drafting, funding, and alignment with benefit rules. We provide a checklist and support to assemble and verify items so the planning process proceeds smoothly. A thorough folder of documents reduces back-and-forth and helps deliver timely results for families.
Look for experience in estate planning, disability law, and coordination with benefits programs. Ask about communication style, turnaround times, and how they work with families. A plan-based approach with clear explanations helps you feel confident. We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss goals and ask questions so you can compare options and costs with clarity. A thoughtful comparison helps you choose a team that aligns with your values and expectations.
