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Special Needs Trusts: How I Can Help You Protect Your Child’s Future Without Losing Benefits

September 23, 2024

I understand that protecting your child with special needs is not only a legal priority but also a deeply personal one. Before becoming an estate planning attorney, I was a practicing school psychologist, where I supported children with disabilities and their families for over a decade. I know firsthand how important it is for parents to ensure that their child’s future is secure, especially when it comes to managing the complexities of government benefits and specialized needs.

Families often worry that leaving money to a child with special needs could accidentally disqualify them from essential benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid—and it can. That’s where I come in—working with me to set up a Special Needs Trust (SNT) can give you peace of mind, knowing your child will have the resources they need without losing access to these vital programs.

Why Is a Special Needs Trust So Important?

As someone who has worked with families navigating IEPs, disability accommodations, and medical care systems, I understand how overwhelming these responsibilities can be. I also know that when you’re no longer able to personally care for your child, you want them to continue receiving the same level of support.

A Special Needs Trust ensures that your child has the financial resources to live a fulfilling and comfortable life, without jeopardizing their access to programs like Medicaid or SSI. The funds in the trust can be used to pay for expenses that go beyond basic needs, such as:

  • Educational support and extracurricular activities
  • Personal care and special therapies
  • Specialized transportation and adaptive equipment
  • Medical treatments not covered by insurance

By carefully planning for these needs, we can help ensure that your child enjoys the quality of life you envision for them, even after you’re gone.

What is a Special Needs Trust?

A Special Needs Trust is a legal tool designed to hold and manage assets for a person with disabilities, while protecting their eligibility for benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Unlike a traditional inheritance, the money placed into an SNT doesn’t count as part of your child’s personal assets, allowing them to continue receiving benefits they rely on for medical care, housing, and more.

Because I’ve worked closely with children with disabilities, I have a unique understanding of the financial and emotional challenges that families face. As your attorney, I will create a customized plan that fits your family’s specific needs—ensuring your child is taken care of both now and in the future.

How I Can Help You With a Special Needs Trust

I bring together my experience as a school psychologist and estate planning attorney to help families like yours create thoughtful and comprehensive estate plans. Let me help you develop a customized estate plan that takes into account:

  • Preserving Benefits: One of the biggest concerns families have is that any inheritance could disqualify their child from government assistance. I will help you structure a Special Needs Trust that ensures your child’s financial future without risking their access to SSI, Medicaid, or other programs.
  • Personalized Planning: Every child with special needs is unique, and your estate plan should reflect that. Whether your child requires additional medical care, educational support, or other resources, I will work with you to create a plan tailored specifically to your family’s situation.
  • Guidance on the Trustee: Choosing the right person to manage your child’s trust is a big decision. I will guide you through selecting a trustee who understands both the legal and personal responsibilities of the role, ensuring that the funds are used to enhance your child’s quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Securing your child’s future is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. With my background in special education and estate planning, I have the unique ability to help you create a comprehensive plan that meets your child’s needs—without risking their benefits. Let’s work together to protect your child’s future.

Reach out to Ohio Heritage Law LLC today to schedule a consultation and begin planning for the long-term security of your family.

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Northeast Ohio,
8598 Hartman Road
Wadsworth, OH 44281

info@ohioheritagelaw.com

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