Special needs trusts help families preserve eligibility for Medicaid and SSI while providing financial support for daily care, education, and therapy. They prevent accidental disqualification by avoiding direct asset ownership by a disabled beneficiary, ensuring long-term resources stay protected. A properly drafted trust coordinates with government programs and fosters a smoother transition when caregivers change or plans evolve.
Maintaining eligible benefits while providing supplemental support is the core advantage. A well-structured trust ensures funds are used for approved needs, reducing the risk of disqualifications and enabling ongoing access to essential programs.
Our firm combines experience in estate planning, disability planning, and trust administration to deliver coordinated, trustworthy guidance. We focus on transparent communication, customized documents, and a collaborative approach with guardians and professionals to achieve reliable results.
Ongoing administration includes record-keeping, annual or periodic reviews, and updates to reflect changes in health, finances, or law, ensuring sustained benefits and care alignment.
A Special Needs Trust is a carefully drafted trust designed to supplement the beneficiary’s needs without impacting their eligibility for programs like Medicaid or SSI. It allows funds to be used for care, education, and enrichment while shielding assets from direct ownership by the beneficiary. The trustee manages distributions according to explicit standards and program rules.
Anyone who has a close family member with a disability or a loved one who relies on public benefits should consider a Special Needs Trust. The planning process is especially important for families seeking to protect resources while maintaining access to essential services and ensuring ongoing care for the beneficiary in Pinehurst and North Carolina.
First-Party SNTs are funded with the beneficiary’s own assets and require strict adherence to benefit rules to avoid disqualification. Third-Party SNTs are funded by others’ assets and can provide broader planning flexibility. The choice depends on funding sources, guardianship goals, and desired protection for government benefits.
ABLE accounts offer additional savings for disability-related expenses and can complement a Special Needs Trust. While ABLE accounts provide flexibility, a properly structured SNT ensures long-term protection of benefits and coordinated distributions for care needs. Our guidance helps you navigate how these tools work together.
A trustee can be a family member, a friend, or a professional fiduciary. The right choice depends on trust complexity, administrative capacity, and the need for impartial governance. It’s important to designate a trustee who communicates clearly, manages funds responsibly, and understands the beneficiary’s goals.
Costs vary based on complexity, drafting requirements, and ongoing administration. Initial setup and periodic reviews are typical, with possible additional fees for funding, amendments, or trustee services. We provide transparent estimates and work with you to balance protections with budget considerations.
Yes. A Special Needs Trust can be amended or changed, subject to the terms of the trust and funding source. Usually, modifications require notarized amendments and, in some cases, consent from beneficiaries and guardians. Ongoing reviews help ensure the plan stays aligned with current needs and laws.
The planning process duration depends on the complexity of assets, fund sources, and coordination with multiple professionals. Typically, initial drafting and signing can take several weeks, with funding and updates following as necessary. We strive to provide a clear timeline and steady progress updates.
If government benefits change, your plan should adapt accordingly. We review and adjust trust provisions, distributions, and funding to preserve eligibility while meeting care needs. Regular check-ins with your team help mitigate risk and maintain stability for the beneficiary.
To begin with Hatcher Legal in Pinehurst, contact us to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain options, and outline a tailored plan. Our team is ready to assist with estate planning, disability planning, and trust administration to protect your loved one’s future.
