Special Needs Advocacy
What is special needs estate planning?
Creating comprehensive estate plans that consider the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. This may involve establishing third party special needs trusts or a self-settled special needs trust to ensure continued eligibility for government benefits while providing supplemental needs.
What is a special needs trust (SNT)?
Special Needs Trusts are a tool to help family members bequeath money for their loved ones benefit without jeopardizing their means-tested government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
What is a guardianship?
Assisting individuals and families navigate the legal process of establishing guardianship for loved ones who are incapacitated and unable to manage their affairs independently.
Here are the services we can provide to assist you with your needs:
Client consultation
Meet with clients who have family members with disabilities or individuals with disabilities themselves to discuss their financial situation, long-term goals, and the specific needs of the individual with a disability.
Coordination with Other Professionals
Work collaboratively with financial advisors, trust administrators, and other professionals to ensure that the special needs trust is integrated into the client’s overall estate plan and financial strategy.
Trust Drafting and Implementation
Draft and implement special needs trusts tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each client. Ensure that the trust documents comply with all legal requirements and are designed to maximize the benefits available to the individual with a disability while protecting their eligibility for government assistance programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Continued Support and Review
Provide ongoing support and review of the special needs trust to ensure that it continues to meet the evolving needs of the individual with a disability and remains in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Advocacy and Legal Representation
Represent clients in legal proceedings related to special needs trusts, such as petitioning the court for approval of a self-settled special needs trust or seeking modifications to an existing trust.
Trust Administration
Draft and implement special needs trusts tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each client. Ensure that the trust documents comply with all legal requirements and are designed to maximize the benefits available to the individual with a disability while protecting their eligibility for government assistance programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Education and Guidance on Estate Planning and Guardianship
Provide comprehensive education to clients about the different types of special needs trusts available, including third-party special needs trusts funded by family members and self-settled special needs trusts funded by assets owned by the individual with a disability. Provide clients with guidance, support, and education throughout the guardianship process. Help them understand their rights and obligations as guardians and empower them to make informed decisions on behalf of their loved ones.
Have more questions or need some help?
Our experienced team can guide you through the process and answer all of your questions.