A special needs trust can help families protect government benefits for a loved one while providing for additional care and quality of life. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, we provide personalized estate planning services in Mountain View and the surrounding Bay Area. This guide explains what a special needs trust is, how it operates alongside public benefits, and common planning strategies used by families to balance immediate needs with long-term security. Whether you are just beginning to consider planning or are updating an existing plan, clear information helps you make informed choices for your family member with disabilities.
Planning for a family member with disabilities involves both legal detail and thoughtful decision making about daily care, housing, and future finances. A properly drafted special needs trust can preserve eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, and other public programs while allowing discretionary funds to be used for education, therapies, transportation, and personal items. We focus on explaining options in plain language, reviewing documents such as revocable living trusts and powers of attorney that work alongside a special needs trust, and helping families design plans that reflect their values and anticipate changing needs over time.
A special needs trust provides a structured way to hold assets for a person with disabilities without endangering means-tested benefits. Benefits of this approach include the ability to fund supplemental care and quality-of-life items that public programs may not cover, to appoint a trusted trustee to manage funds responsibly, and to reduce family members’ ongoing financial and administrative burdens. Proper planning can also minimize conflict, clarify custodial arrangements, and create a flexible framework that adapts to changing medical, educational, or residential needs. Families gain peace of mind knowing there is a clear financial path in place for their loved one’s future.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides estate planning services to families across San Jose, Mountain View, and greater California. Our practice focuses on practical, client-centered plans that address wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and specialized trusts such as those for individuals with disabilities. We work closely with clients to understand family dynamics and financial resources, coordinating with financial advisors and care providers when appropriate. Our goal is to create clear, durable documents that protect benefits and provide flexible support for beneficiaries over time.
A special needs trust is a legal vehicle designed to hold assets for a person with disabilities while preserving eligibility for public benefits that have strict asset and income limits. These trusts can be funded by family members, third parties, or in some cases by the beneficiary’s own assets when certain conditions are met. The trustee manages distributions for supplemental needs, such as therapies, education, transportation, and other supports not federally funded. Understanding the interplay between trust distributions and benefit rules is essential to avoid unintended disqualification from critical assistance programs.
Different types of special needs trusts are available depending on funding sources and circumstances, including third-party trusts funded by family gifts and first-party trusts for individuals who receive a settlement or inherit assets. Each trust type has specific rules, including provisions for repayment to Medi-Cal upon the beneficiary’s death in some cases. Proper drafting addresses these constraints while maximizing flexibility. Working through funding strategies, trustee selection, and long-term distribution policies helps families build a plan that balances care needs, financial realities, and the desire to maintain public benefit eligibility.
A special needs trust is a trust arrangement intended to supplement, not replace, government benefits by paying for goods and services that public programs typically do not cover. It is used when a beneficiary needs ongoing support but must remain eligible for programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. The trust is managed by a trustee who makes discretionary distributions for the beneficiary’s supplemental needs. Drafting must reflect the beneficiary’s specific situation and comply with state and federal rules to ensure the trust serves its protective purpose without creating disqualifying income or asset situations.
Creating a special needs trust involves identifying goals, determining appropriate funding sources, drafting trust language that preserves benefits, and selecting one or more trustees. Important elements include specifying allowable distributions, creating fail-safe provisions for successor trustees, and addressing creditor protection and estate recovery where applicable. The process typically requires collecting financial records, coordinating with beneficiary care professionals, and ensuring compatibility with existing estate planning documents such as wills and powers of attorney. Thoughtful planning at the outset reduces the need for later amendments and helps ensure consistent care funding.
Understanding common terms helps families navigate special needs planning with confidence. This glossary covers essential concepts like first-party and third-party trusts, payback provisions, trustee duties, and relevant public benefits. Clear definitions make it easier to recognize which trust type suits a given situation and which provisions protect benefit eligibility. In addition to legal terminology, practical terms such as discretionary distributions and supplemental needs are explained so families can discuss options with care providers and advisers, ensuring a trust design that aligns with the beneficiary’s lifestyle and long-term care expectations.
A third-party special needs trust is created and funded by someone other than the beneficiary, typically a parent or family member. Assets placed in this trust do not belong to the beneficiary for means-tested benefit calculations, allowing the beneficiary to maintain eligibility for programs like Medicaid. This trust often forms part of an overall estate plan so that assets are directed into the trust upon a family member’s death. Distributions are used for supplemental needs and do not require repayment to the state upon the beneficiary’s death unless specified otherwise by other planning documents or funding sources.
A first-party special needs trust is funded with assets that belong to the beneficiary, such as an inheritance or settlement. State and federal law may require a payback provision in these trusts, which mandates repayment to the state for certain public benefits after the beneficiary dies. These trusts must be carefully drafted to comply with Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income rules, and they are typically used when a beneficiary acquires funds that would otherwise disqualify them from benefits. Proper trust administration is vital to maintain eligibility while managing the beneficiary’s resources.
A payback provision is a clause in certain first-party special needs trusts that requires reimbursement to Medicaid or the state for benefits paid on behalf of the beneficiary after the beneficiary’s death. This feature ensures that public funds expended during the beneficiary’s life are recovered to the extent possible before any remaining trust assets are distributed to remainder beneficiaries. While necessary in many first-party trust situations, the payback provision can be structured to minimize impacts on intended remainder beneficiaries through careful planning and coordination with other estate planning tools.
A discretionary distribution is a payment from the trust made at the trustee’s judgment for expenses that enhance the beneficiary’s quality of life without affecting public benefits. Common permissible uses include medical equipment not covered by benefits, education, enrichment activities, transportation, and personal items. Because distributions are discretionary rather than mandatory, they generally do not count as income for means-tested programs, but trustees should document decisions and maintain transparent records. Clear distribution guidelines in the trust document help trustees act consistently and in the beneficiary’s best interests.
When considering how to provide for a loved one with disabilities, families should compare special needs trusts to alternatives such as direct inheritance, joint ownership, or relying solely on public programs. Direct transfers or joint accounts can jeopardize benefit eligibility by increasing countable assets. Third-party trusts offer strong protection and flexibility, while first-party trusts can preserve benefits but may include payback requirements. Choosing the right option depends on funding sources, the beneficiary’s age and needs, and family goals. A balanced approach may combine a special needs trust with powers of attorney and healthcare directives to create a cohesive plan.
A more limited planning approach can be appropriate when a beneficiary has modest supplemental needs and stable access to public benefits that cover most essentials. Families with limited assets and predictable living arrangements may choose focused documents that address only immediate issues, such as a simple third-party trust funded through a will or modest monthly gifts to a caregiver. This approach reduces administrative complexity and cost, while still providing a degree of protection for benefits. It is important, however, to periodically review the arrangement to ensure continued alignment with benefits rules and changing circumstances.
A limited planning strategy may suit situations where quick access to funds is needed for care or housing, and the family is willing to manage distributions informally under careful guidance. In these instances, short-term measures such as temporary trusteeship arrangements or narrowly tailored trust provisions can bridge gaps until a more formal plan is put into place. Families should take care to document decisions and consult with legal counsel to avoid inadvertent disqualification from benefits. Even limited plans benefit from clear written direction and a plan for transition to a longer-term solution.
Comprehensive planning is often necessary when the beneficiary has complex medical, housing, or long-term care needs that require sustained funding and coordination among service providers. In such circumstances, a detailed trust with clear distribution policies, backup trustee provisions, and integration with powers of attorney and advance health care directives reduces uncertainty. A holistic plan anticipates changes in government programs and personal circumstances, and it creates a framework for consistent decision making. This helps families provide continuous support while preserving essential benefits and avoiding frequent emergency interventions.
Families prioritizing long-term financial security for a beneficiary often choose comprehensive planning to ensure resources are managed and preserved over decades. A thorough plan considers legacy gifts, funding mechanisms such as life insurance or retirement plan trusts, and the interplay of different legal instruments to protect assets while providing ongoing support. Establishing clear successor trustee instructions, distribution standards, and coordination with sibling or family plans reduces future disputes and ensures that the beneficiary’s needs remain front and center through transitions in caregiving and financial circumstances.
A comprehensive approach to special needs planning creates a coordinated set of documents that work together to provide clarity, flexibility, and protection. By aligning trusts with wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives, families establish a single roadmap for decision making and asset management. This reduces the risk of benefit disruption, minimizes administrative hurdles, and provides a clear succession plan for trustees and caregivers. A comprehensive plan also allows for tax-aware strategies and smarter funding choices that can stretch available resources over the beneficiary’s lifetime.
Beyond paperwork, a full-service strategy supports families in communicating their wishes to caregivers and service providers, documenting preferences for daily life, medical care, and housing, and creating contingency plans for unexpected events. Such planning helps prevent conflict among family members by articulating responsibilities and distribution guidelines. It also builds in mechanisms for periodic review and adjustment, ensuring that the plan remains responsive to changing laws, benefits rules, and the beneficiary’s evolving needs while providing peace of mind to family members charged with care.
One key benefit of a comprehensive special needs plan is safeguarding eligibility for means-tested public benefits. By placing assets into appropriate trust structures and managing distributions carefully, families can fund supplemental needs without creating countable resources that jeopardize Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. Comprehensive planning also monitors how different income streams and asset changes may affect benefits over time, enabling proactive adjustments. This protective approach helps maintain continuity of essential medical and support services that the beneficiary relies upon for daily living.
A coordinated plan provides clear guidelines for trustees and caregivers, outlining decision-making authority, distribution parameters, and contingency steps if a trustee cannot serve. This structure ensures continuity of care and financial management, reducing the risk of disputes among family members and confusion among service providers. Succession planning identifies backup trustees and establishes processes for oversight and reporting, making it easier to navigate transitions. The result is a more stable support system for the beneficiary and less administrative burden on the family over time.
Begin by compiling a clear, written summary of the beneficiary’s medical history, daily care needs, therapies, educational goals, and preferred living arrangements. This document helps shape trust distribution guidelines and informs trustee decisions. Include contact information for healthcare providers, case managers, and educational professionals. Also note nonessential items that will enhance quality of life, such as transportation, social activities, and assistive technology. Having a detailed profile reduces uncertainty and supports consistent decisions that reflect the beneficiary’s values and routine.
Ensure the special needs trust works in concert with wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance. Aligning these documents prevents unintended transfers that could create disqualifying assets or legal ambiguities. Consider how assets will flow into the trust at a family member’s death and use tools like pour-over wills or retirement plan trusts when appropriate. Regular review of account designations and estate documents keeps the overall plan effective as laws and family dynamics evolve.
Families pursue special needs trusts to preserve eligibility for government benefits while providing discretionary support that enhances the beneficiary’s life. Trusts can pay for therapies, education, enrichment, travel, and non-covered medical equipment, allowing beneficiaries to enjoy a fuller quality of life without losing vital program eligibility. These arrangements also formalize financial responsibilities, minimize conflict among heirs, and provide a clear mechanism for long-term care planning. For many families, a trust is a practical way to protect both benefits and dignity for a loved one with disabilities.
Another reason to consider a special needs trust is to create a long-term safety net that anticipates life transitions such as aging caregivers, changes in living arrangements, or unexpected medical needs. Trusts can be designed to fund supported living environments, vocational training, or community engagement opportunities. In addition, integrating a special needs trust into a broader estate plan preserves legacy intentions and ensures that family contributions are used as intended. Careful planning reduces the likelihood of urgent, reactive decisions during stressful times.
Special needs trusts are often needed when a beneficiary receives an inheritance or settlement, when parents want to provide for a child with disabilities without displacing benefits, or when a family member ages and can no longer provide daily care. They are also used to coordinate housing arrangements, cover therapy costs, or fund assistive technology. In any situation in which asset transfers might unintentionally affect means-tested benefits, creating a trust is a prudent step. Families should evaluate timing, funding sources, and payback considerations to choose the right trust structure.
When a person with disabilities receives a settlement or inheritance, those assets can disqualify them from benefits if not properly managed. Establishing a first-party special needs trust or directing assets into a third-party trust via a will can preserve eligibility while putting funds to productive use for supplemental needs. Drafting must address payback rules and compliance with state Medicaid requirements, and trustees must administer distributions carefully. Prompt action after receipt of funds helps avoid immediate eligibility issues and provides a plan for long-term care funding.
As parents or primary caregivers age or face health changes of their own, families must create sustainable plans for continuing support. A special needs trust can fund new living arrangements, paid caregiving, or community services when family members cannot provide day-to-day care. Naming reliable successor trustees and documenting daily care preferences and routines ensure a smoother transition. Advance planning prevents rushed decisions and helps maintain consistency in the beneficiary’s life during times of family change.
Public benefits often cover essential medical care but fall short on other supports that improve well-being, such as specialized therapies, respite care, or enrichment activities. A special needs trust can fund these supplemental services while preserving benefit eligibility. Clear distribution guidelines in the trust clarify what constitutes an appropriate use of funds, and trustees can coordinate with care providers to maximize the impact of trust resources. This approach allows beneficiaries to access a broader range of supports without jeopardizing foundational benefits.
We provide local, accessible legal support for residents of Mountain View and nearby communities who are planning for a loved one with disabilities. Our office helps families evaluate trust options, draft tailored documents, and coordinate with financial and care professionals. We also assist with trust administration, beneficiary transitions, and interactions with government agencies. Our practical approach emphasizes clear communication, timely responsiveness, and careful drafting to ensure that the arrangements put in place effectively support the beneficiary and reduce uncertainty for the family.
Families choose our firm for responsive guidance, clear communication, and practical estate planning solutions tailored to the needs of people with disabilities. We help clients understand how special needs trusts interact with benefits and other estate documents, offering straightforward recommendations and drafting precise trust language that reflects family goals. Our office supports clients through funding strategies, trustee selection, and coordination with care teams, ensuring that the resulting plan is durable and usable in day-to-day decision making.
We prioritize creating plans that are easy to administer, with clear instructions for trustees and contingency protocols for changes in circumstances. Whether families need help setting up a trust now or require assistance updating existing documents, we provide thorough document review and practical advice. Our approach is collaborative and tailored to the unique needs of each family, allowing clients to make informed choices about funding sources, distribution policies, and succession planning while keeping the beneficiary’s welfare at the center of every decision.
We also assist with ancillary estate planning documents that support a special needs trust, including pour-over wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, and beneficiary designations. Coordinating these elements helps prevent accidental disqualification from benefits and ensures that assets flow into the trust as intended. Our firm provides clear instructions for administration and record keeping so trustees can act confidently, and we remain available to address questions or adjustments as laws or family circumstances change over time.
Our planning process begins with an in-depth consultation to understand the beneficiary’s needs, family objectives, and the financial landscape. From there we recommend trust types, draft tailored documents, and coordinate with other professionals as needed. We review funding options, prepare trustee guidelines, and discuss successor arrangements. After execution, we provide guidance for administration and annual reviews. This structured process ensures plans are legally sound and practically usable, reducing the need for emergency fixes and making care transitions smoother for families.
The first step focuses on gathering information and setting clear goals for the trust. We collect details about benefits, income, assets, medical needs, and existing estate documents. We discuss immediate needs, long-term objectives, and any anticipated changes in caregiver availability. This assessment identifies the appropriate trust type and funding approach and sets the scope for drafting. A careful initial evaluation prevents common pitfalls and ensures the trust will function as intended in preserving benefits while providing supplemental support for the beneficiary.
We obtain records related to public benefits, income sources, assets, and recent financial transactions that could affect eligibility. This includes account statements, insurance policies, and documentation of any settlements or pending inheritances. Understanding the full financial picture lets us recommend the best funding strategy for a trust and identify timing concerns. Document review also helps determine whether a first-party trust, third-party trust, or a combination of tools is most appropriate given the beneficiary’s circumstances and long-term goals.
We discuss the beneficiary’s present and likely future needs, including medical care, residential support, educational goals, and lifestyle preferences. Families outline priorities for distributions and any limits they wish to impose. These conversations shape the trust’s distribution provisions and trustee instructions, helping ensure funds are used in ways that enhance the beneficiary’s life while avoiding disqualifying benefit changes. Clear distribution priorities make trustee decisions more predictable and aligned with the family’s intentions.
In the second step we prepare the trust document and related estate planning instruments. Drafting focuses on preserving benefits through carefully worded distribution clauses, trustee powers, and successor provisions. We also advise on funding the trust, whether through lifetime gifts, beneficiary-directed transfers, or future testamentary funding via wills. This phase includes preparing any necessary ancillary documents and coordinating with financial institutions to ensure assets are transferred correctly into the trust structure.
Trust language is drafted to allow discretionary payments for supplemental needs, establish reporting requirements, and provide guidance for resolving conflicts. Trustee powers are specified to allow prudent financial management while preventing misuse of funds. Successor trustee designations and decision-making protocols are included to provide continuity. The document aims to be precise enough to function in real-world situations without over-restricting beneficial discretionary actions that improve the beneficiary’s quality of life.
Once documents are signed, we assist with transferring assets into the trust and updating beneficiary designations on retirement accounts or insurance policies as needed. Proper funding is essential for the trust to serve its purpose; we provide checklists and coordination with financial institutions to ensure transfers are executed correctly. We also advise on whether certain assets should remain outside the trust for liquidity or tax reasons, and offer strategies to fund future needs through life insurance or retirement planning when appropriate.
After the trust is active, ongoing administration and periodic review are essential. Trustees must follow distribution guidelines, maintain records, and coordinate with benefits administrators as necessary. We provide clients with administration checklists, guidance on reporting, and assistance updating documents as family or legal circumstances change. Regular reviews ensure the trust continues to align with benefit rules and with the beneficiary’s evolving needs, making adjustments when new funding sources or caregiving arrangements arise.
We advise trustees on best practices for record keeping, documentation of discretionary distributions, and communication with care providers. Maintaining clear records helps demonstrate that trust funds are used to supplement benefits rather than replace them. Trustees should document the reasoning behind payments and keep receipts and correspondence. This transparency reduces the risk of disputes and makes it easier to respond to inquiries from benefits agencies or family members. We can provide templates and ongoing counsel for common administration questions.
Periodic review is recommended to confirm that trust documents remain effective as laws, benefits rules, or family situations change. Updates may be needed to successor trustee designations, distribution priorities, or funding strategies. Regular reviews allow the trust to adapt to new medical technologies, changes in public program eligibility, or shifts in caregiver availability. We schedule reviews at sensible intervals and after major family events to ensure the plan continues to meet the beneficiary’s needs and to prevent unexpected problems down the road.
A special needs trust is a legal arrangement that holds assets for a person with disabilities while aiming to preserve eligibility for means-tested public benefits such as Medi-Cal and Supplemental Security Income. The trust is structured so that distributions are discretionary and used to supplement the beneficiary’s needs rather than replace benefits. Typical uses include paying for therapies, transportation, adaptive equipment, educational support, and other quality-of-life expenses that public benefits do not cover. Careful drafting is required to ensure that trust distributions do not count as income or assets for benefit calculations. Trustees must exercise prudent judgment and keep detailed records of distributions and their purposes. Coordination with benefits administrators may be necessary to confirm that particular payments will not affect eligibility, and periodic review of both trust terms and public benefit rules is recommended.
A trustee can be a family member, trusted friend, or a professional fiduciary such as a trust company, depending on the family’s needs and the trustee’s ability to manage finances and coordinate care. Many families choose a family member who understands the beneficiary’s preferences and daily routines, while others prefer to include a professional co-trustee to handle administrative tasks and financial management. Naming successor trustees provides continuity if the primary trustee is unable to serve. When selecting a trustee, consider availability, willingness to serve, financial acumen, and ability to work with service providers and government agencies. Clear written trust instructions and training can help family trustees fulfill duties effectively. Trustees should also be prepared to maintain records and follow distribution guidelines that protect the beneficiary’s benefits.
Special needs trusts are funded in several ways, including lifetime gifts from family members, testamentary transfers through wills, beneficiary inheritances, or settlement proceeds. Third-party trusts are commonly funded by family contributions either during life or at death through estate plans. First-party trusts can be funded with a beneficiary’s own assets, such as an inheritance or settlement, but these often include payback provisions required by law. Proper funding requires coordination with financial institutions and careful handling of beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance. Pour-over wills, beneficiary designations, and coordination with retirement plan trustees can help funnel intended assets into the trust. Timely funding steps help avoid immediate eligibility issues and ensure the trust serves its intended purpose.
The primary difference lies in who provides the funds. A third-party special needs trust is funded by someone other than the beneficiary, commonly parents or other relatives, and typically does not require repayment to the state after the beneficiary’s death. Third-party trusts are often part of a family member’s estate plan and provide flexible support without affecting the beneficiary’s benefits. A first-party or self-settled trust is funded with the beneficiary’s own assets and commonly must include a payback provision to reimburse the state for benefits like Medi-Cal upon the beneficiary’s death. Because of this requirement, first-party trusts are used carefully, and drafting must comply with applicable state and federal rules. Each type has distinct legal and administrative considerations that should be evaluated when planning.
A properly drafted special needs trust generally does not affect Medi-Cal or SSI eligibility when distributions are made for supplemental needs and the trust is structured in compliance with program rules. The trust must be written so that the beneficiary is not considered the owner of the assets for benefit purposes, and distributions should be made in a way that does not count as income or a resource for means-tested programs. However, certain distributions or improper funding can create problems, so trustees should follow guidelines and document how funds are used. When a trust is funded with the beneficiary’s own assets, state payback rules may apply. Consulting with counsel about specific distribution plans and maintaining thorough records helps reduce the risk of unintentional benefit impact.
What happens to trust assets after the beneficiary dies depends on the trust’s terms and funding source. Third-party trusts usually name remainder beneficiaries who receive any remaining funds after the beneficiary’s death, often without requiring repayment to the state. The trust document should specify who receives remaining assets and any conditions governing those distributions. First-party trusts funded with the beneficiary’s own assets often include a payback provision requiring reimbursement to the state for Medi-Cal benefits paid on the beneficiary’s behalf. After satisfying payback obligations, any remaining funds are distributed according to the trust terms. Clear drafting ensures that remainder distributions align with family intentions while complying with legal obligations.
Yes, life insurance can be an effective way to fund a special needs trust, particularly as part of a long-term strategy to provide for a beneficiary after a parent’s death. Naming the trust as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy ensures that proceeds pass directly into the trust and are used for supplemental needs rather than becoming countable assets in the beneficiary’s own name. This approach helps preserve benefits while providing a reliable future funding source. When using life insurance, it is important to coordinate policy ownership, beneficiary designations, and trust terms to avoid unintended consequences. Trust language should be consistent with the policy’s beneficiary designation and account for potential tax or administrative issues, ensuring the proceeds fulfill the family’s long-term support intentions.
Regular review of a special needs trust is recommended at least every few years and after major life events such as the beneficiary’s change in medical condition, a trustee’s incapacity, receipt of a settlement, or significant changes in public benefit rules. Laws and program regulations evolve, and periodic review helps ensure the trust remains compliant and effective. Updating the trust also ensures that successor trustees, distribution priorities, and funding sources remain current and appropriate. Proactive reviews prevent small issues from becoming large problems and help families adapt to new circumstances, including changes in caregiver availability, financial markets, or tax law. We recommend setting reminders for scheduled reviews and consulting counsel whenever substantive changes are anticipated.
Trustees may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred while administering a special needs trust, provided the trust document authorizes reimbursement and the expenses are properly documented. Reimbursement helps trustees manage administration costs such as postage, copying, or travel related to the beneficiary’s care. Clear documentation of expenses and distributions is essential to demonstrate that costs were necessary and appropriate for trust management. Some trust documents also allow trustees to receive compensation for their services, but such provisions should be drafted carefully to avoid conflicts of interest and to remain transparent to beneficiaries and family members. When compensation is contemplated, it should be reasonable and aligned with the duties performed and the trust terms.
To begin creating a special needs trust, start by gathering relevant information about the beneficiary’s benefits, current finances, medical needs, and any existing estate planning documents. Schedule an initial consultation to review goals, funding options, and potential trustee candidates. This early assessment identifies whether a first-party or third-party trust is appropriate and highlights any immediate steps needed to protect benefits. After deciding on the trust type, we draft tailored documents, assist with funding and account transfers, and provide trustee guidance for administration. Throughout the process we emphasize clear instructions and record keeping to help ensure the trust functions as intended and preserves access to critical public benefits.
Criminal Defense
Homicide Defense
Manslaughter
Assault and Battery
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Battery Causing Great Bodily Injury
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Arson Defense
Weapons Charges
Illegal Firearm Possessions
Civil Harassment
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
School Violence Restraining Orders
Violent Crimes Defense
Estate Planning Practice Areas