A properly drafted trust preserves eligibility for Medicaid and SSI while providing funds for daily living, medical care, and education. It can protect assets from creditors, coordinate with government programs, and offer a structured plan for guardianship, respite care, and long-term independence—all while respecting the beneficiary’s preferences.
A single, coordinated plan reduces duplication and inconsistent decisions. Trustees, guardians, and beneficiaries navigate a predictable process, with clear instructions that improve accountability and reduce disputes.
Choosing our firm means working with attorneys who specialize in estate planning, elder law, and special needs planning. We listen carefully, explain options clearly, and help families implement durable plans that protect benefits, safeguard assets, and support long-term well-being.
Our team provides document management, beneficiary updates, and coordination with beneficiaries, care providers, and government agencies. We help you stay compliant and prepared for changes in eligibility and funding over time.
A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a protective vehicle that holds assets for a beneficiary with disabilities while preserving eligibility for needs-based programs. It allows funds to be used for supplemental goods and services without disqualifying the beneficiary. The trust must be managed by a qualified trustee and funded according to strict rules to ensure continued support and compliance with state and federal requirements. We help families design, fund, and monitor these trusts so they stay effective over time.
A properly drafted SNT is designed to supplement benefits rather than replace them. When set up correctly under NC rules, resources held in trust generally do not count toward means-tested program limits. However, distributions must follow the trust terms and program guidelines. Our team explains these requirements and coordinates with program administrators to minimize risk and preserve benefits for the beneficiary long-term.
The trustee is the person or institution responsible for managing the trust assets and distributing funds in line with the beneficiary’s needs and the trust terms. Ethical standards and accountability are essential. Many families choose a trusted family member, a professional fiduciary, or a combination, to balance accessibility with professional oversight.
Assets that fit the trust are typically money, investments, and sometimes personal property, held separately from the beneficiary’s own assets. This separation helps prevent unintended loss of benefits. We focus on compliant funding strategies to ensure the trust remains effective while protecting eligibility.
Funding strategies vary by situation, including lump-sum funding, periodic contributions, and using compatible third-party assets. We assess options to maximize benefits while preserving eligibility. Our guidance helps you choose funding paths that align with family goals and program rules over time.
Amendments or revocation depend on the trust type and donor intentions. Some trusts permit changes with limited circumstances, while others require court approval for material modifications. We guide you through the legal steps. Our team explains the process, safeguards, and timing for amendments, ensuring you understand costs, implications, and how changes affect benefits over time. We tailor strategies to your unique family dynamics.
Costs include initial drafting, potential court or agency filings, and periodic updates. We offer transparent pricing and discuss expected fees at the outset, so you understand value and timing fully. Our team provides itemized cost estimates and options to fit different budgets.
Timelines vary with complexity, documents needed, and responsiveness. Simple plans may take weeks; more complex arrangements can extend over months. We keep clients informed at every milestone, providing ongoing estimates to help you plan.
We provide ongoing support through reviews, updates, and coordination with care teams and agencies. This ensures decisions reflect current needs and laws as life changes. We tailor updates to your preferred pace.
Getting started with our firm begins with a no-pressure consultation to understand your goals, assets, and family needs. We explain options, timelines, and next steps clearly. If you decide to move forward, we gather documents and set a realistic plan for drafting, funding, and ongoing support. You will have a dedicated point of contact.
