If you have a loved one with special needs, you are no doubt worried about obtaining the assistance your loved one needs now and making sure that he or she will be well cared for when you can no longer provide that care yourself. At the Law Offices of Esther Hopkins, P.C., we work with parents, family members and trustees to help manage the legal, medical and financial affairs of people with special needs. We will collaborate closely with you to design and implement a customized plan to meet your loved one’s needs now and in the future.
Special Needs Trusts
Special needs trusts can create a fund to augment services and care not provided by government assistance programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, while at the same time maintaining eligibility for these programs. A special needs trust can include funds for entertainment, wheelchair-accessible transportation, travel expenses, education, advanced dental and medical care, and more. In short, a special needs trust can provide money for services that improve the quality of life of your loved one with special needs.
It is important to note that an improperly designed special needs trust could jeopardize your loved one’s eligibility for assistance from SSI and Medicaid. In addition, if your special needs loved one has received a settlement or other assets, a court proceeding to create a first party special needs trust may be required. For a properly designed special needs trust and/or experienced representation in a first party special needs trust court proceeding, contact us today for a personal meeting.