Trust Fund vs Will: Protecting Your Children’s Inheritance
Learn the difference between a trust and a will to protect your children’s inheritance and ensure a secure, private, and timely distribution of your estate.
Special Needs Trusts Made Simple
A special needs trust ensures your loved one with disabilities is cared for. But setting one up the right way requires legal guidance. We’ll help you find an attorney who makes it simple and tailored to your family’s needs.
What Is a Special Needs Trust?
A special needs trust (SNT) is a legal tool that provides financial support for a person with disabilities, without affecting their eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or SSI. It allows you to:
- Set aside money for care, education, and quality of life
- Appoint a trusted trustee to manage funds
- Protect your loved one from financial exploitation
- Ensure long-term stability and independence
What Can Go Wrong Without a Special Needs Trust?
Without a plan, your loved one’s financial and personal security could be at risk. A special needs trust helps prevent these challenges:
Your loved one could be left without proper housing or care
Family money may run out too quickly
Inheritance could be mismanaged or stolen
Caregivers may face overwhelming financial pressure
Benefits like SSI or Medicaid could be lost
Their quality of life may decline without protection
Failing to plan puts your loved one’s future in jeopardy. The right attorney can save them from losing critical support.
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Peace of Mind When a Special Needs Trust Is in Place
A special needs trust doesn’t just protect finances—it gives you confidence that your loved one will always be cared for. Here’s what it feels like:
You know benefits like Medicaid and SSI remain safe
You trust that funds are managed responsibly
Your loved one enjoys stability in housing and care
Their quality of life improves with resources set aside
Your family feels relief from financial strain
You have peace knowing your loved one won’t be left vulnerable
Planning today brings peace tomorrow.
Who Needs Special Needs Planning
A special needs trust can be life-changing for many families. You may need one if you are:
Blended families
Business owners
Child-free couples
Divorcees
Grandparents
High-net-worth individuals
Homeowners
LGBTQ+ couples
New parents
Singles
Special needs families
Young adults
You Deserve Clarity, Control, and Peace of Mind
Thinking about the future doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Whether you're starting from scratch or updating an old plan, we're here to guide you every step of the way—with compassion, clarity, and attorneys you can trust.
Register for a Free Estate Planning Event Near You
Want to learn more before making a decision? Get notified about our next free in-person or online educational event near you and get clear, expert answers to your estate planning questions—no pressure, just guidance.
Common Questions About Special Needs Trusts
Got any questions? We’re here to help!
How do I set up a special needs trust?
The process requires legal guidance to make sure the trust complies with state and federal laws. An experienced special needs trust attorney will help you draft, fund, and manage the trust properly.
Can a special needs trust pay for anything my loved one needs?
A special needs trust can cover many expenses not provided by government benefits, including housing, education, medical care, recreation, and personal items—improving overall quality of life.
Who can be the trustee of a special needs trust?
You may appoint a trusted family member, friend, or professional trustee. The key is choosing someone reliable and financially responsible to manage funds in your loved one’s best interest.
Why should I create a special needs trust instead of leaving money directly?
Leaving money directly could disqualify your loved one from vital benefits. A special needs trust protects those benefits while ensuring funds are available for extra care, housing, and quality of life.
What is a special needs trust and how does it work?
A special needs trust (SNT) is a legal arrangement that holds money for a person with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for government benefits like SSI or Medicaid. A trustee manages the funds and distributes them according to your instructions.
From the EPA Blog
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