A special needs trust protects assets while allowing a beneficiary to receive public benefits, shielding funds from penalties and restrictive spend down rules. It also provides a structured way to coordinate care, maintain independence, and plan for future family needs. Properly funded and managed trusts reduce stress during transitions such as aging, illness, or caregiving changes.
A holistic plan reduces uncertainty by outlining contingencies for care, housing, and finances. Regular reviews ensure the trust remains aligned with beneficiary needs and regulatory updates, preserving stability across changing life circumstances.
Our team combines local knowledge with broad experience in estate planning and disability planning. We listen to your goals, explain options clearly, and guide you through implementation with careful attention to compliance and ongoing updates.
When health, housing, or finances shift, we update the plan to reflect new goals while preserving eligibility for benefits and uninterrupted care.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal arrangement that holds assets for a beneficiary with disabilities without counting those assets toward eligibility for needs based government programs. This structure allows funds to be used for supplemental supports while maintaining access to critical benefits. The trust protects resources and improves the potential for a better quality of life. In many cases, a properly designed SNT works in harmony with other planning documents.
A trustee can be a family member, a friend, or a professional fiduciary. The key is selecting someone who understands the beneficiary needs, has the capacity to manage funds responsibly, and will follow the trust terms. Clear guidelines help trustees administer distributions and communicate with caregivers.
A properly structured SNT typically preserves eligibility for Medicaid and other needs based programs. However the timing and manner of distributions matter. An experienced attorney can tailor the trust to balance immediate care needs with long term program eligibility.
Funding a special needs trust can involve cash, securities, life insurance proceeds, or other permissible assets. We advise on compliant funding strategies that avoid disqualifying transfers and ensure that resources are available when the beneficiary needs them.
Relocating to another state may require reviewing beneficiary access to programs and adjusting the trust terms accordingly. We help clients understand state specific rules and coordinate with programs to minimize disruption to benefits and services.
ABLE accounts provide additional savings for disability related expenses without generally affecting eligibility for benefits. Used in coordination with a special needs trust, ABLE accounts can complement resources while preserving critical program eligibility.
Guardianship is not always necessary for every situation. We evaluate alternatives such as guardianship, supported decision making, and powers of attorney to determine the most appropriate framework for decision making and care coordination.
A local attorney understands Maryland and Colmar Manor specific rules, programs, and resources. Local counsel can provide hands on guidance, timely communication, and in person meetings to simplify complex decisions and improve outcomes.
Planning timelines vary with complexity. Initial consultations set expectations, and drafting and funding typically occur over several weeks to a few months depending on assets and program requirements. Early action helps ensure resources are in place when needed.
