Special needs trusts protect assets while providing for a higher quality of life for a person with a disability. They minimize the risk of disqualifying government benefits, provide funding for care and therapies, and offer flexibility for guardianship coordination and future planning. A well designed trust reduces family stress by clarifying responsibilities and goals.
By coordinating investments, distributions, and successor planning, a comprehensive approach safeguards the beneficiary’s resources. It can prevent missteps that might endanger benefits and ensure funds support essential care across different life stages.
With a practice focused on estate planning and elder law in North Carolina, we bring thoughtful planning, clear explanations, and meticulous document preparation. Our approach emphasizes collaboration with families, guardians, and professionals to create plans that fit real life.
Our team tracks changes in laws, benefits, and family circumstances, updating the trust and distributions to remain aligned with the beneficiary’s best interests.
An SNT is a trust designed to provide additional support for a person with a disability without compromising eligibility for essential needs based benefits such as SSI or Medicaid. It is tailored to individual circumstances and requires precise drafting and administration. The trust can fund supplemental services, housing, therapies, and equipment while preserving access to government programs.
Anyone with a family member who relies on public benefits and has assets that could affect eligibility should consider an SNT. This includes parents, guardians, and individuals managing long term care planning. A thoughtful assessment with an attorney helps determine the right trust type, funding strategy, and trustee selection.
An SNT is designed to supplement, not replace, government benefits. Distributions must be used for qualifying needs, and ongoing compliance with program rules is essential. Proper management helps protect eligibility while providing additional resources for care and quality of life.
A trustee can be a family member, friend, or a professional fiduciary with experience in managing special needs trusts. We help families evaluate candidates, define duties, and establish clear fiduciary responsibilities to safeguard the beneficiary’s interests.
Costs vary, including initial drafting, funding, and ongoing maintenance or reviews. Some firms offer flat fees; others bill hourly. We provide transparent estimates and work with families to balance legal protections with budget realities.
Timeline depends on complexity and funding. A basic trust can be prepared in several weeks, while more complex arrangements with multiple beneficiaries or additional documents may take longer. We keep you informed at every step.
Post death, remaining assets are handled according to the trust terms and applicable laws. Some trusts allow distributions or refunds to cover final expenses, while others specify how funds are allocated among beneficiaries and programs.
A settlement can be used to fund or supplement the trust, but the plan must be evaluated to ensure continued program eligibility. A careful approach prevents unintended consequences while maximizing available care and services.
Trusts are typically funded through assets transferred by a parent, guardian, or the beneficiary at various life stages. Funding may also come from inheritances or settlements, with careful coordination to maintain eligibility for benefits and avoid conflicts.
Bring current wills, guardianship documents, financial statements, a list of assets, and your goals for the beneficiary. Also note questions about benefits, caregiving plans, and desired outcomes to help our team tailor the plan.
