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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 protect eligibility for Medicaid, SSI, and other assists while providing tailored support. By separating personal funds from public benefits, these trusts enable ongoing care, safe housing, and educational opportunities. They also help families plan for emergencies, manage funds responsibly, and reduce the risk of inadvertently disqualifying a beneficiary due to asset limits.
A comprehensive approach provides coordinated care and clearer communication across all stages, helping families meet care goals while maintaining benefit eligibility and financial stability.
Choosing our firm means working with attorneys who emphasize practical planning, compassionate communication, and clear explanations. We help you build a durable strategy that respects your values, budget, and the person at the center of the plan.
Adjustments for changes in benefits or family circumstances are incorporated promptly, ensuring distributions remain appropriate while preserving eligibility and meeting evolving care objectives for the beneficiary and family members.
A Special Needs Trust is a legally established account designed to hold assets for someone with a disability without disqualifying them from public benefits like Medicaid or SSI. It allows funds to cover supplemental items and services that improve quality of life. Effective planning requires naming a responsible trustee, funding the trust appropriately, and documenting your goals. When properly implemented, the trust complements public programs, supports daily living, and respects family values while maintaining flexibility for future needs.
Choosing a trustee is a critical decision. A trustee should be reliable, financially literate, and responsive to the beneficiary’s needs. Options include a family member, a trusted friend, or a professional fiduciary. We help families evaluate qualifications, communication expectations, and ongoing duties. Professional trustees often provide continuity and regulatory compliance, while family trustees offer intimate knowledge of goals and routines. The right balance between oversight and accessibility supports successful lifelong plans.
A properly drafted SNT generally does not affect eligibility for Medicaid or SSI when funded and administered correctly. It is critical to follow estate and disability program rules so that distributions cover supplemental needs without diminishing essential benefits. Regular reviews with your attorney help maintain compliance as laws evolve and as family circumstances change, ensuring the plan continues to protect the beneficiary’s interests over time.
A pooled trust collects funds from several beneficiaries into a single account managed by a nonprofit or corporate administrator. Each beneficiary has a separate account within the pool, preserving individual spending rights while sharing administrative costs. Private SNTs offer more control but higher costs and burden. We assess needs and budget to determine whether a pooled approach or a private trust best suits your family in your circumstances.
Costs vary based on draft complexity, funding, and ongoing maintenance. You may encounter setup fees, filing costs, and annual administration charges. We provide transparent estimates and options to fit different budgets. In many cases, the long-term benefits of a carefully structured plan outweigh initial costs by preserving benefits and reducing future litigation, caregiver stress, and mismanagement for families.
Yes. Most Special Needs Trusts can be amended or terminated under conditions described in the trust document. This flexibility allows updates for changes in goals, beneficiary needs, or program rules. We guide you through the amendment process, ensuring proper execution, funding adjustments, and continued eligibility without disrupting care for the person at the center.
Essential documents typically include the trust instrument, a letter of intent, guardian designations, funding plans, and a list of trusted professionals. Collect copies of beneficiary information, financial accounts, and caregiver contacts. We provide a personalized checklist during the initial consultation to help families prepare these items efficiently and securely ahead of meetings.
Process timelines vary with complexity, but many projects move from intake to document signing within a few weeks to a few months. We outline milestones and keep you informed of progress. Delays can occur if information is missing or if funding sources require additional steps. We help you prepare early to minimize gaps and ensure smooth progression.
Letters of intent express family values, preferences, and care goals for the beneficiary. They guide trustees when document specifics are silent, providing a roadmap for future decisions. Although not legally binding, a well-crafted letter of intent helps ensure consistent care and aligns with the trust’s distributions and long-term objectives over time.
Yes, we provide services to Redland and nearby communities. Our local office offers in-person consultations, while we also support remote planning when needed. If you want to learn more, contact us at 984-265-7800 for a current schedule, availability, and to discuss your family’s goals. We’ll respond promptly.
