A properly drafted Special Needs Trust helps preserve eligibility for Medicaid and SSI while providing funds for therapy, equipment, and enrichment. It safeguards assets from disqualifying transfers, supports continuity during guardianship transitions, and enables families to deliver stable care without risking public benefits.
Holistic planning ensures all legal and practical pieces work together, reducing gaps and delays. When the trust, will, and powers of attorney align with funding strategies, families experience smoother implementation and ongoing peace of mind.
Choosing our firm means working with a team that prioritizes accessible explanations, measurable planning steps, and respectful collaboration. We tailor strategies to your family’s needs, balancing protection of government benefits with meaningful support for daily living, education, and future care.
After setup, ongoing administration includes periodic reviews, distributions per guidelines, and coordination with care providers. We remain available for questions, updates, and changes that reflect evolving beneficiary needs and benefit program rules.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal tool designed to supplement, not replace, public benefits for a disabled beneficiary. It allows funds to pay for therapies, transportation, housing, and education without reducing eligibility. The trust is funded by family assets and managed by a trustee who follows the distribution guidelines set in the document. It keeps funds separate from public program resources and provides flexibility to cover non-medical supports.
Medicaid eligibility depends on asset limits and income rules. A properly drafted SNT is designed to preserve eligibility by excluding trust assets from countable resources, while funds are used to cover services not provided by Medicaid. Timing and funding must be coordinated with counsel to avoid unintended disqualification.
The trustee should be someone you trust to manage financial details and follow the trust terms. This may be a family member, a professional fiduciary, or a nonprofit organization with experience in special needs planning. Clear expectations, reporting, and fee discussions should occur upfront.
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the trust and accompanying documents. Typical charges cover consultation, document drafting, funding guidance, and periodic reviews. We provide transparent pricing and discuss potential additional fees before moving forward.
The timeline depends on asset complexity and client readiness. A straightforward plan can be completed in a few weeks, while more comprehensive arrangements may take longer to ensure accuracy, funding, and coordination with benefits programs. We share a clear schedule at the outset.
Estate plans specify how remaining trust assets are handled after the beneficiary’s death, often using remainder distributions for authorized purposes or to repay public benefits. A well-drafted plan includes clear provisions to minimize tax implications and ensure wishes are respected.
Many trusts include provisions that allow for amendments as circumstances change, with oversight by the trustee. Modifications may require court approval depending on the document terms and state law. Ongoing reviews help ensure the plan stays aligned with goals and benefits rules.
Relocating to North Carolina typically requires reviewing existing plans for state compliance, benefits rules, and implementation steps. A local attorney can adapt documents to NC law, coordinate with state programs, and ensure seamless continuity of care and benefits.
Begin with an initial consultation to discuss goals, family dynamics, and eligibility. Gather financial information, identify potential trustees, and outline a funding plan. We guide you through drafting, funding, and execution, followed by periodic reviews to keep the plan current.
