Planning for a loved one with disabilities requires careful legal and financial planning to preserve eligibility for public benefits while protecting assets for long-term care and quality of life. A Special Needs Trust provides a framework that keeps important government benefits intact while allowing a trustee to pay for supplemental needs not covered by those programs. On this page we outline how Special Needs Trusts function, the different trust options available, and how thoughtful planning in Calimesa, California can reduce uncertainty and support your family member’s future stability and dignity without jeopardizing need-based assistance.
Many families first learn about Special Needs Trusts when they face a sudden change in health, an inheritance, or the need to coordinate benefits for a child or adult with disabilities. This guide addresses typical questions about trust purpose, who can serve as trustee, common trust provisions, and how a trust interacts with Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income, and other programs. Our objective is to give Calimesa residents clear, practical information so they can make informed decisions about protecting a loved one’s benefits and quality of life while preserving financial resources for supplemental needs.
A Special Needs Trust is designed to allow a person with disabilities to receive supplemental support from family funds or other assets without losing eligibility for means-tested public benefits. It can pay for items and services such as therapies, education, personal care, transportation, and recreational activities that enhance quality of life but are not covered by government programs. By clearly defining how funds are used and naming a trustee to manage distributions, a trust reduces the risk of mismanagement, preserves benefit eligibility, and provides a structured means to deliver ongoing support while protecting the beneficiary’s financial safety net.
Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman helps families throughout California with estate planning tools tailored to the needs of people with disabilities. We focus on clear, practical legal planning that aligns with state and federal benefit rules and the personal priorities of each family. Our approach emphasizes communication, careful drafting of trust documents, and helping clients select trustees and plan for long-term administration. We work to ensure each Special Needs Trust complements other planning documents such as wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives to create a cohesive plan that supports the beneficiary over time.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal arrangement in which assets are held and managed by a trustee for the benefit of a person with disabilities. The trust is drafted so that distributions supplement, rather than replace, public benefits. Different trust forms exist to meet various circumstances, including third-party trusts funded by family, first-party trusts for assets belonging to the beneficiary, and pooled trusts managed by nonprofit organizations. Understanding the distinctions among these trust types is essential for ensuring the beneficiary maintains eligibility for programs such as Medi-Cal and Supplemental Security Income while receiving additional support.
Trust drafting must reflect the precise legal requirements that preserve public benefits, including rules about what kinds of expenses may be paid from the trust and how distributions are made. Trustees have duties to account for trust assets, act in the beneficiary’s best interest, and manage funds prudently. When assets include retirement accounts, life insurance, or real property, careful planning is needed to determine the best way to fund the trust without triggering unintended tax or benefit consequences. Working through these issues before a crisis helps families in Calimesa avoid costly mistakes and protect a loved one’s benefits.
A Special Needs Trust is a written document that holds assets for someone with disabilities while allowing that person to remain eligible for government assistance programs. Its core purpose is to provide supplemental care and services beyond what public benefits cover, such as therapy, transportation, and recreational programs. The trust terms typically limit distributions to supplemental items and prevent direct cash payments to the beneficiary that could be treated as countable income. By setting clear distribution standards, a Special Needs Trust offers a long-term solution to balance private support with public benefits.
Creating a Special Needs Trust involves selecting the trust type, naming a trustee and successor trustee, drafting distribution standards, and coordinating the trust with existing estate planning documents. Important elements include trust language that protects benefit eligibility, provisions for trustee powers and accountings, and instructions for funding and terminating the trust. The process also includes reviewing beneficiary eligibility for public programs and, when necessary, preparing documentation for benefit preservation. Properly executed, these steps produce a sustainable plan to manage resources and support the beneficiary without compromising need-based benefits.
Understanding common terms used in Special Needs Trust planning helps families make informed choices. Important concepts include trustee, beneficiary, first-party and third-party trusts, pooled trusts, payback provisions, and supplemental versus basic needs. These terms govern how a trust functions, who manages it, what payments are permitted, and whether remaining assets must be used to reimburse public benefits at the beneficiary’s death. Familiarity with this vocabulary reduces confusion and helps families work effectively with legal counsel to craft a plan that meets both personal and programmatic requirements.
A trustee is the individual or entity legally responsible for managing trust assets and making distributions for the benefit of the person with disabilities. The trustee’s role includes investing funds prudently, paying allowable expenses that supplement public benefits, keeping accurate records, and acting in the beneficiary’s best interest. Choosing a trustee involves evaluating judgment, availability, financial management skills, and the ability to coordinate with family and service providers. Successor trustees should also be named to ensure continuity if the original trustee cannot serve.
A third-party Special Needs Trust is funded with assets that belong to someone other than the beneficiary, typically parents or other family members. This trust never holds the beneficiary’s own assets and generally does not require a government payback provision at the beneficiary’s death. It is often used to leave an inheritance while protecting the beneficiary’s eligibility for means-tested benefits. Drafting should specify permissible uses for trust funds and coordinate with the settlor’s broader estate plan to ensure proper funding at death.
A first-party Special Needs Trust holds assets that belong to the beneficiary, such as an inheritance or settlement proceeds. Under federal and California rules, many first-party trusts must include a payback provision to reimburse Medi-Cal or other agencies for benefits paid during the beneficiary’s lifetime. These trusts enable the beneficiary to receive funds while preserving benefit eligibility, but they require precise drafting to comply with statutory requirements and to ensure that allowed supplemental distributions are clearly identified and managed appropriately.
A pooled Special Needs Trust is managed by a nonprofit organization that pools resources from multiple beneficiaries under a single master trust while maintaining individual subaccounts. This option can be practical when a family prefers not to name a private trustee or when the amounts involved are modest. Pooled trusts often offer professional management and are structured to preserve public benefits. They typically include payback provisions similar to first-party trusts and may be a cost-effective alternative to an individually managed trust.
Choosing among trust options depends on the source of funds, the beneficiary’s current and future needs, and whether payback provisions are acceptable. Third-party trusts work well when family members want to leave assets that will not be subject to reimbursement rules. First-party trusts are appropriate when the beneficiary receives assets directly but must be structured to meet statutory payback requirements. Pooled trusts offer a managed solution for smaller accounts or when families prefer nonprofit administration. A careful comparison helps families in Calimesa select the arrangement that balances flexibility, cost, and benefit preservation.
When available funds are modest or intended for short-term supplemental needs, a pooled trust or a carefully managed third-party arrangement may provide sufficient protection while minimizing administrative burdens. For families who plan to fund limited expenses such as therapeutic equipment or short-term services, less complex solutions can be more economical and easier to administer. It is still important to document distribution standards and coordinate with benefits counselors to ensure that payments do not interfere with eligibility, but a streamlined trust may serve the family’s goals without extensive ongoing administration.
A simpler approach can work when family members are closely involved and willing to manage small distributions from a designated account under clear informal rules. When relatives provide day-to-day supplemental support and there is a plan for occasional purchases, creating a basic third-party trust or directing funds into a managed pooled trust may meet the needs without complex oversight. Even in these situations, families should document intentions in writing, name successors, and seek legal review to prevent mistakes that could endanger benefit eligibility.
When assets include retirement accounts, real estate, insurance policies, or settlements, comprehensive planning is often necessary to coordinate funding mechanisms, beneficiary designations, and tax implications. Improperly titled assets or beneficiary designations can unintentionally disqualify someone from means-tested benefits, or trigger probate complications. Thorough planning considers all asset types, designs funding strategies that preserve benefits, and integrates trusts with wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives so the entire estate plan functions cohesively for the long-term benefit of the person with disabilities.
Comprehensive planning helps families anticipate future changes in medical needs, living arrangements, and government program rules. Trustees and family members benefit from having contingency plans for successor trustees, amendments to distribution standards, and instructions on how to address changes in benefit eligibility. A robust plan also addresses coordination with guardianship nominations, advance health care directives, and financial powers of attorney so day-to-day and emergency decision making aligns with the beneficiary’s long-term care plan and family preferences.
A comprehensive approach produces a coordinated plan that addresses legal, financial, and practical needs over the beneficiary’s lifetime. It reduces the risk of unintended benefit loss, clarifies trustee authority, and provides a roadmap for using trust funds to enhance the beneficiary’s quality of life. By integrating trusts with other estate planning documents, families can ensure smooth transitions, predictable funding, and a defensible plan should questions arise from public benefit agencies or family members. Comprehensive planning also helps limit family stress during transitions or crises.
Comprehensive planning can also protect family assets by directing how inheritances and gifts will be used to support the beneficiary without becoming countable resources. It provides for successor trustees and for contingency arrangements if circumstances change. Well-drafted documents reduce the potential for disputes among heirs and provide clarity for service providers and government agencies. The result is a durable plan that helps maintain benefit eligibility while allowing families to use private funds in thoughtful, documented ways that improve the beneficiary’s daily life.
A primary benefit of comprehensive planning is preserving access to crucial public programs while providing additional support through trust distributions. Properly tailored trusts clarify what expenses the trust will cover and ensure those payments do not count as income or resources for eligibility determinations. This careful alignment allows families to pay for quality-of-life items and services without compromising benefit eligibility, ensuring the beneficiary receives both public assistance and private supplemental support as needed over time.
Comprehensive planning addresses trustee duties, recordkeeping, and the mechanisms for ongoing administration so families are not left juggling legal and financial tasks in stressful moments. Documented procedures for distributions, successor trustee appointments, and coordination with service providers give family members confidence that someone will responsibly manage the beneficiary’s needs. This structure can reduce conflict, clarify expectations, and provide smoother transitions if primary caregivers become unable to serve, thereby protecting continuity of care and financial stewardship for the long term.
Begin planning well before a pressing need arises so you have time to choose the right trust type, select a trustee, and coordinate with benefits counselors to understand how trust distributions will affect public programs. Early planning allows for a deliberate review of assets, beneficiary needs, and family dynamics. It also gives you the opportunity to integrate trust funding strategies with life insurance, retirement accounts, and wills, and to consider successor trustee arrangements. Proactive planning reduces mistakes and helps your family achieve a stable long-term plan for supplemental support.
Clearly document the intended supplemental uses of trust funds and periodically review the trust to reflect changes in the beneficiary’s circumstances, medical needs, or service options. Updating distribution guidelines, trustee instructions, and related estate planning documents helps keep the plan practical and effective over time. Regular reviews reduce the chance that outdated provisions will cause administrative confusion or jeopardize benefits. Consistent recordkeeping and communication among family members and the trustee also support transparent and responsible management of trust resources.
Families often turn to Special Needs Trust planning to protect public benefits and preserve support for a loved one with disabilities. A well-drafted trust helps ensure the beneficiary retains eligibility for vital programs while allowing private funds to cover supplemental needs. Planning addresses not only immediate financial concerns but also long-term care, housing, therapy, and daily support. For families facing inheritances, settlements, or changing caregiving roles, a Special Needs Trust provides a legal structure to safeguard resources and document the family’s wishes for future care.
Beyond benefit preservation, trust planning also reduces family uncertainty during transitions and helps prevent disputes over how funds should be used. It sets clear rules for distributions and appoints fiduciaries to manage assets responsibly. The process provides opportunities to coordinate with guardianship nominations, advance directives, and powers of attorney so that decision making about health care and finances is consistent with the beneficiary’s needs. Families find value in having a documented plan that supports both immediate and evolving supplemental needs.
Typical circumstances prompting trust planning include receipt of an inheritance or settlement, a change in medical or living needs, the loss of a caregiver, or a family desire to leave assets that will not jeopardize eligibility for means-tested programs. Other triggers include planning for adult children with disabilities reaching majority, securing long-term supports, and preparing for transitions in care. When any of these events occur, a Special Needs Trust can provide structured management of funds to supplement publicly funded supports without creating disqualifying resources.
When a person with disabilities receives an inheritance, settlement, or lump-sum payment, placing those assets in a properly drafted trust can protect benefit eligibility and ensure funds are used for supplemental needs. First-party trusts or pooled trusts are common solutions to preserve Medi-Cal and Supplemental Security Income while allowing funds to be used for therapies, equipment, or personal supports. Prompt planning and accurate trust language are essential to avoid unintended consequences and to meet statutory payback obligations when they apply.
A change in primary caregivers, relocation, or a move to supported living arrangements may require updated planning to address who will manage the beneficiary’s finances and daily needs. Establishing a trust with clear trustee duties and backup arrangements helps ensure continuity in payments for supplemental services, housing, and care coordination. Trust terms can be tailored to provide for housing modifications, transportation, and other supports that become necessary as living situations evolve, giving the family a reliable structure during transitions.
When a beneficiary receives multiple streams of support, such as public benefits, private family assistance, and potential inheritances, a trust helps coordinate those resources to maximize overall support without compromising benefit eligibility. Trust planning can address how to handle retirement benefits, insurance proceeds, and other asset types so distributions are made in a manner consistent with program rules. Clear coordination reduces the administrative burden on family members and service providers and improves transparency in how supplemental funds are used.
We provide Special Needs Trust services to families in Calimesa and surrounding communities, offering practical legal guidance and document drafting tailored to local needs. Our work includes drafting first-party and third-party trust documents, coordinating with pooled trust providers, preparing pour-over wills and certification of trust documents, and assisting with trustee selection and administration guidance. We also help families understand how trusts interact with Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income, and guardianship nominations so local families can make informed decisions about long-term care and financial stability.
Families choose our firm for clear, practical planning that addresses both legal requirements and real-world caregiving needs. We focus on drafting trusts that align with public benefit rules and on creating documents that are straightforward to administer. Our goal is to give families peace of mind by producing durable plans that support the beneficiary’s quality of life while preserving eligibility for essential programs. We also provide guidance on funding strategies and successor trustee arrangements so the plan remains effective as circumstances change.
In addition to drafting trust documents, we assist with related estate planning tasks such as preparing pour-over wills, advance health care directives, financial powers of attorney, and guardianship nominations when appropriate. These complementary documents ensure that health care decisions and financial management align with the trust plan. We also help clients prepare certification of trust and other administrative materials trustees may need to present to banks or benefit agencies, reducing friction in day-to-day trust administration and interactions with service providers.
Our firm strives to communicate plainly and to involve family members in planning conversations so they understand the trust’s purpose and administrative expectations. We provide guidance on trustee recordkeeping, distribution standards, and coordination with benefits counselors. Families appreciate having a written plan and clear steps for implementation, including funding the trust through designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, or by directing inheritances through a trust structure. This practical orientation supports reliable, long-term care for the beneficiary.
Our planning process begins with a consultation to understand the beneficiary’s needs, current benefits, and family goals. We review assets, identify the appropriate trust type, and outline funding strategies. After agreeing on a plan, we draft trust documents and related estate planning instruments, and we guide clients through signing and funding steps. When needed, we coordinate with benefits counselors and pooled trust administrators. We also provide trustee guidance and documentation templates to support ongoing administration, aiming to make implementation straightforward and sustainable for families.
In the initial assessment we gather information about the beneficiary’s benefits, assets, family dynamics, and long-term needs. This step clarifies whether a first-party, third-party, or pooled trust best fits the situation and identifies potential funding sources such as life insurance, retirement accounts, or inheritances. We discuss trustee options, distribution priorities, and coordination with other estate planning documents, establishing clear goals for preserving benefits while providing supplemental support that aligns with the beneficiary’s current and future needs.
We collect details about public benefits, sources of income, existing assets, and any pending settlements or inheritances. Understanding Medi-Cal and Supplemental Security Income eligibility rules is an important part of this review. This information helps identify what must be protected, what assets can fund a trust, and whether a pooled trust is advisable. A careful inventory of assets and benefits prevents surprises and forms the foundation for drafting trust language that preserves eligibility while supporting the beneficiary’s needs.
We work with family members to set priorities for how trust funds should be used, who should serve as trustee, and how successor trustees should be appointed. This conversation addresses practical issues such as the level of involvement family members want, whether to engage a corporate trustee, and how distributions will be decided. Clear guidance at this stage helps produce a trust document that reflects the family’s values and provides predictable administration for the future.
Once objectives and funding sources are established, we draft the trust and companion documents, tailoring distribution provisions to align with public benefit rules and family priorities. Drafting also includes instructions for trustee powers, accounting requirements, and payback language when required. We prepare pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives as needed to ensure a coordinated estate plan. The documents are reviewed with clients so they fully understand implementation and funding steps.
Drafting precise trust provisions is essential to preserve eligibility for means-tested programs. The trust must clearly state that distributions are for supplemental needs and specify allowable categories of expense. When first-party funds are involved, the trust must include any statutory payback provisions required by law. We craft language that gives trustees adequate discretion to meet the beneficiary’s needs while maintaining the protections necessary for government benefits, reducing the risk of misinterpretation by agencies.
Complementary documents such as pour-over wills, advance health care directives, financial powers of attorney, and guardianship nominations are prepared to ensure a complete plan. These instruments guide who can make health and financial decisions if the beneficiary or primary caregivers cannot act. Coordinating these documents with the trust prevents gaps in decision making and reduces the likelihood of unintended financial consequences, making administration easier for trustees and family members.
After documents are signed, funding the trust is essential to put the plan into effect. Funding may include retitling assets, designating the trust as beneficiary of life insurance or retirement accounts when appropriate, or directing inheritances through a pour-over will. We assist clients with the necessary administrative steps and provide trustee guidance on recordkeeping, allowable distributions, and interactions with benefit agencies. Proper funding and trustee education help ensure the trust functions as intended for the long term.
Ensuring assets are properly titled or that beneficiary designations name the trust is a critical step to fund the trust and avoid probate. We review account forms, insurance policies, and retirement plan beneficiary designations to align them with the estate plan. When changing titles or designations, it is important to consider tax and benefit consequences; we help clients take these steps thoughtfully so funds pass into the trust as intended and the beneficiary’s public benefits remain protected.
We provide trustees with guidance on their responsibilities, including recordkeeping, permitted distributions, and reporting to agencies when required. Trustees receive practical materials and templates for accounting and distribution decisions, and we remain available for questions that arise during administration. Ongoing support helps trustees fulfill their duties confidently and helps families maintain clear communication about how the trust assets are used to enhance the beneficiary’s life without affecting benefit eligibility.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal vehicle designed to hold assets for the benefit of a person with disabilities while maintaining eligibility for means-tested public programs. The trust provides funds for supplemental items and services that government benefits do not cover, such as therapies, adaptive equipment, recreation, education, and other quality-of-life expenses. The trust is drafted to clarify that distributions are for supplemental needs and to prevent direct transfers that could count as income or resources for benefit determinations. Families use Special Needs Trusts to balance private resources with public benefits so the beneficiary receives comprehensive support. The trust is administered by a trustee who manages assets and follows distribution rules. Different trust types address different funding sources and legal requirements, so selecting the correct form and drafting precise language is essential to preserve program eligibility and deliver meaningful supplemental support over time.
First-party, third-party, and pooled Special Needs Trusts differ primarily in who funds the trust and the payback rules that may apply. First-party trusts hold assets that belong to the beneficiary, such as an inheritance or settlement, and often include a requirement to reimburse certain public benefits after the beneficiary dies. Third-party trusts are funded by parents or other family members and generally avoid payback rules, allowing remaining funds to pass to other family beneficiaries. Pooled trusts are managed by nonprofit organizations that maintain individual subaccounts under a master trust structure. Choosing among these options depends on the source of funds, the family’s intentions, and administrative preferences. First-party trusts are useful when the beneficiary receives assets directly but require careful drafting to meet statutory conditions. Third-party trusts are commonly used for planned inheritances or gifts. Pooled trusts may be appropriate for smaller amounts or when families prefer nonprofit management because they can offer professional oversight and potentially lower administrative burdens.
When properly drafted, a Special Needs Trust allows a beneficiary to remain eligible for programs like Medi-Cal and Supplemental Security Income by ensuring that trust assets are not counted as the beneficiary’s personal income or resources. Trust distributions must be made for supplemental purposes that do not replace basic living needs covered by public benefits. Precise language in the trust and careful administration are essential to maintain that separation between trust funds and countable resources. Trustees should coordinate with benefits counselors and understand which types of payments may affect eligibility. Missteps such as making improper direct cash payments or incorrectly titling assets outside the trust can jeopardize benefits. Regular recordkeeping and adherence to distribution rules help trustees demonstrate that the trust supports the beneficiary without undermining public benefit qualifications.
Trustee selection should consider judgment, availability, financial management ability, and the capacity to work with family and service providers. Many families select a trusted relative or friend as trustee, sometimes paired with a professional co-trustee or corporate trustee to provide governance and investment oversight. Naming successor trustees ensures continuity if the primary trustee cannot serve, and clear written instructions help guide trustees in making distribution decisions that align with the beneficiary’s needs. When naming a trustee, consider the complexity of the trust, the anticipated administrative tasks, and the trustee’s willingness to serve long term. Trustees should be prepared to keep accurate records, manage trust funds prudently, and coordinate with benefit agencies. Providing successor trustees and written guidance reduces the risk of conflict and helps maintain consistent administration as circumstances evolve.
A Special Needs Trust can be funded using various assets, including life insurance proceeds and certain retirement account distributions, but each funding source raises different considerations. Naming the trust as a beneficiary of life insurance is a common approach for third-party planning, allowing proceeds to pass directly into the trust without affecting the beneficiary’s personal assets. Retirement accounts require careful planning because distributions from qualified plans may have tax consequences and can affect benefit eligibility if paid directly to the beneficiary. When funding a trust with retirement assets, it may be advisable to name the trust as beneficiary while evaluating tax and distribution timing. Life insurance can provide a straightforward funding mechanism that supports long-term needs. Consulting about titling and beneficiary designations helps ensure assets pass into the trust as intended and that distributions are administered in a way that preserves public benefits and addresses tax considerations.
What happens to trust assets after the beneficiary dies depends on the trust type and its terms. Third-party trusts typically direct remaining assets to other family members or charities according to the settlor’s wishes and generally do not require reimbursement to public benefit agencies. First-party trusts commonly include a payback provision under which remaining assets are used to reimburse Medi-Cal for benefits provided during the beneficiary’s lifetime, before any residual amount passes to heirs or designated recipients. Pooled trusts also often include payback provisions to reimburse public agencies, with any remaining funds handled according to the pooled trust’s rules. The trust document should clearly address the disposition of remaining assets so families understand whether funds will reimburse government payers or pass to other beneficiaries, and under what conditions the trust will terminate or be distributed.
Special Needs Trust administration does not automatically require court oversight or guardianship proceedings, although certain circumstances may make court involvement necessary. If a beneficiary lacks capacity to make financial decisions, guardianship or a conservatorship might be used to authorize certain actions outside the trust. However, when a trust is properly drafted and a capable trustee is in place, many day-to-day financial functions can be handled within the trust without court supervision, saving time and expense. If a dispute arises or the trustee requires court approval for a significant transaction, limited court involvement may occur. Families should consider whether guardianship or conservatorship proceedings are ever likely to be needed and plan accordingly, ensuring that trust documents and related powers of attorney or nominations complement one another to minimize unnecessary court actions.
Costs to create and administer a Special Needs Trust vary based on complexity, the trust type, and whether professional trustees are used. Initial drafting typically includes preparing the trust document and related estate planning instruments such as powers of attorney, advance directives, and pour-over wills. When assets are complex or when comprehensive planning and beneficiary counseling are required, costs may be higher. Pooled trusts can offer a lower-cost alternative for ongoing administration when compared to individually managed private trusts. Ongoing administration costs include trustee fees if a corporate trustee is used, accounting, tax preparation, and any required filings or reporting. Family members acting as trustees may reduce fees but must still invest time in recordkeeping and distribution decisions. We discuss anticipated costs upfront so families can choose an approach that balances affordability with the level of administration and oversight they want for the beneficiary’s long-term support.
Yes, a trust can be revised when the beneficiary’s needs change, provided the trust document includes amendment provisions or the settlor is alive and able to modify the trust. Third-party trusts are usually revocable during the settlor’s lifetime, allowing updates as family circumstances change. When the trust is irrevocable, modifications are more limited and may require court approval or agreement among interested parties, depending on state law and the trust terms. It is good practice to review Special Needs Trusts periodically to ensure distribution guidelines, trustee instructions, and funding arrangements reflect current needs and benefits rules. Updates can address changes in medical conditions, living arrangements, or available services and help maintain the trust’s effectiveness in preserving public benefits while providing supplemental support.
Begin planning by scheduling a consultation to review the beneficiary’s current benefits, assets, and family goals. Gather documentation about public benefits, account statements, life insurance policies, and any pending legal settlements or inheritances. During the initial meeting we outline suitable trust types, discuss trustee options, and identify a plan for funding and integrating the trust with other estate planning documents so the plan supports the beneficiary’s needs while preserving program eligibility. After agreeing on a strategy, we draft the trust and companion documents and assist with signing and funding steps. We also provide trustee guidance and materials to support ongoing administration. Early planning helps families avoid pitfalls and ensures the trust functions as intended to provide supplemental support and protect public benefits for the beneficiary.
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