Special Needs Trusts

Special needs trusts are for individuals with physical or mental disabilities. These legal documents allow clients to receive public benefits and have many of their on-going needs met from inherited assets (Third Party Trust) or their own assets (First Party Trust). It is essential to seek experienced legal counsel and to work with an experienced trustee on special needs trust management as there are many rules and regulations.

We successfully work with realtors, engineers and disability advocates who are committed to finding unique solutions so that beneficiaries can live at home. Adding ramps to a home might be sufficient for some clients to provide for their comfort and safety. Others may need extensive renovations such as adding elevators, renovating kitchens, bathrooms or driveways to allow for wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment used on a daily basis.

We have over 15 years experience working with beneficiaries with different disabilities. Many of our clients have had serious accidents or injuries that require lifetime care. We also work with adults with developmental delays and severe mental illness(es).

It is important to partner with a fiduciary with extensive knowledge of public benefits and coordinating those benefits with distributions from the trust. I work in close collaboration with the beneficiary, the family and client advocates to understand the nature of the disability and the types of care needed. With that information, I ensure that governmental entities are paying their share. I then make qualifying distributions from the trust.

Most of our special needs beneficiaries need extensive medical and social supports to live independently. We work in close collaboration with the beneficiary and the family to find those service providers that can make sure the beneficiary has appropriate housing, can live safely in the home and receive social and medical supports. We will also find and monitor suitable housing and supports for those clients that cannot live independently at home.

Everyone deserves professional advice to help them realize their future dreams. Fiduciaries play a vital role in the lives of individuals with severe disabilities. Our services have a direct impact on the physical safety and financial security of the client. We invite you to contact us to discuss your particular family needs.