When correctly designed, these trusts safeguard access to government programs while providing supplemental funds for education, therapy, housing, and experiences that enrich daily life. They also help families coordinate care, reduce risk of Medicaid or SSI disruptions, and simplify future transitions for caregivers and beneficiaries.
Enhanced protection comes from precise provisions, careful funding, and clear governance, ensuring assets support the beneficiary while maintaining eligibility for essential programs.
We bring deep local knowledge of North Carolina statutes and benefits programs, a collaborative approach with families, and a track record of creating durable plans that fit budgets and values.
Finalize documents, arrange trustee communications, and establish periodic reviews to keep the plan current with life changes and law updates.
A special needs trust is a legal tool designed to provide for a disabled beneficiary without disqualifying them from essential government programs. The trust holds assets and makes distributions for care, education, or enrichment while preserving eligibility. It must follow specific rules about funding, trustee duties, and reporting to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
Yes. In many cases, funds inside a properly drafted SNT do not count toward needs-based benefits. The rules depend on the trust type and how it is funded. Working with an attorney helps ensure correct structure. We’ll review your situation to determine eligibility implications and advise on keeping government benefits intact while providing for needs.
Choosing a trustee is a critical step. The trustee should be reliable, financially literate, and patient, with good communication. Often families choose a trusted relative, a professional fiduciary, or a hybrid arrangement; we help weigh duties, conflicts of interest, and succession planning.
Funding can come from cash, investments, life insurance, or settlements. The source impacts taxes and benefits. We outline funding strategies tailored to your family, including upfront funding and ongoing contributions, to sustain care.
Housing expenses can be covered by approved distributions for rent, utilities, and home modifications, as long as allocations align with program rules. We explain allowable expenses and document guidelines to keep the trust compliant.
Costs include attorney fees, trustee fees, and administrative costs. We provide transparent estimates and help you budget for upfront and ongoing costs within the plan.
Process time varies by complexity, funding, and client readiness. Typically, a complete plan can take several weeks to a few months, depending on responsiveness and document accuracy.
If the beneficiary dies, the trust provisions often specify how remaining funds are handled, and some funds may pass to alternate beneficiaries. We discuss successor trustees and remaining obligations to ensure a smooth transition.
An ABLE account is different from a special needs trust, though both support disability planning. ABLE accounts have separate rules and limits. We clarify when an SNT is more appropriate or when ABLE accounts can complement it.
To get started in Concord, contact our estate planning team for an initial consultation to discuss goals and eligibility. We’ll walk you through options, timelines, and next steps to begin crafting a tailored plan.
