Special Needs Trusts provide a structured way to meet a beneficiary’s daily needs without compromising eligibility for vital government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. By coordinating trust provisions with current statutes, families can fund education, transportation, therapies, and leisure activities while preserving access to essential healthcare. This planning reduces risk during life changes.
Coordinating benefits with a single, well-structured trust minimizes the risk of program interruptions. This clarity helps trustees allocate funds for medical needs, housing, education, and transportation while preserving qualification for essential assistance.
Hatcher Legal offers a practical, compassionate approach rooted in North Carolina law. We listen to your goals, translate complex rules into understandable steps, and coordinate with financial professionals to implement a plan that protects benefits while expanding opportunities for a loved one.
We schedule periodic reviews, confirm continued eligibility, and update documents as laws change or family circumstances shift, ensuring a durable plan that protects benefits and delivers predictable support.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal arrangement designed to supplement, not replace, government supports for a disabled beneficiary. It allows assets to be used for daily care without disqualifying the recipient from needs-based benefits. A well-drafted SNT coordinates with Medicaid and SSI and supports meaningful living options. The trustee manages funds within the law’s boundaries, ensuring eligibility remains intact while enabling enhanced care.
Yes. North Carolina families can use Special Needs Trusts and related planning tools to protect benefits while expanding opportunities for a loved one. The specifics depend on the beneficiary’s situation and available programs. Consulting with an attorney who understands state rules helps design a compliant plan that aligns with goals.
Funding typically comes from a combination of assets, such as gifts, payback provisions, and life insurance proceeds. Eligible expenses include medical care, therapies, housing, transportation, and education. The plan must balance current needs with ongoing benefit eligibility, avoiding prohibited disbursements that could jeopardize programs.
A trustee can be a family member, professional fiduciary, or a trusted institution. The key is selecting someone who understands the beneficiary’s needs, can navigate complex rules, and maintains accurate records. The role requires ongoing oversight and clear communication with guardians and beneficiaries.
ABLE accounts are a valuable complement to trusts, allowing tax-advantaged savings that do not automatically disqualify benefits. Medicaid planning often combines SNTs with ABLE accounts and other tools to maximize overall eligibility and resources for care, education, and quality-of-life goals.
The timeline varies based on complexity. Some plans can be prepared in a few weeks, while others require longer coordination with financial institutions and government program reviews. We strive to provide realistic timelines during the initial consultation and keep you informed as the process progresses.
Yes. As laws and family circumstances change, your plan should be reviewed and updated. Regular check-ins with your attorney help ensure ongoing eligibility, aligned goals, and that documents reflect current needs and preferences for guardianship, funding, and distributions.
A comprehensive approach coordinates documents across wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and guardianship decisions. It minimizes conflicts, streamlines administration, and creates a durable framework that adapts to changes in health, housing, and benefits, providing greater clarity and protection for the future.
Fees vary by complexity and the level of service required. We provide transparent pricing and detail each milestone. Clients benefit from upfront information, clear scopes of work, and ongoing support that helps prevent costly amendments and ensure a durable plan.
To get started, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We will discuss your goals, gather relevant documents, and outline next steps. You will receive a clear roadmap, reliable timelines, and the option to proceed with a fully customized Special Needs Trust strategy.
