Our Services: Special Needs Planning
We provide answers to the following questions, and give you the peace of mind of knowing the best possible planning is in place for you and/or your disabled family member:
- Should I write my disabled child out of my Will so I do not interfere with his or her public benefits?
- What is the difference between SSI and SSDI, and what are the eligibility criteria?
- What public benefits are available for disabled children and adults?
- How will an inheritance, a gift, or a lawsuit settlement affect eligibility for public benefits?
- What kinds of special needs trusts are available?
- What are the responsibilities of the trustee of a special needs trust?
- What is a pooled trust?
A beneficiary with a disability presents unique challenges in estate planning. Unfortunately many people think they need to disinherit their disabled beneficiaries. This is not the case. Planning options are available to protect your disabled beneficiaries, and provide for their supplemental needs without interfering with their eligibility for public benefits programs. We can help you with this planning.
Planning is also available under federal and state law for disabled individuals who receive lawsuit settlements, gifts, inheritances or other resources to allow them to continue their eligibility for public benefits and have the funds set aside for their supplemental needs. We are experienced in evaluating the legal options in these situations, assisting in structuring settlements, and in drafting special needs trusts for individuals when appropriate.
We are proud to announce that Attorney Marielle F. Hazen has joined the Special Needs Alliance. This group is a collaboration of law offices across the country that do significant work with Special Needs Trusts. For more information go to www.specialneedsalliance.com.