At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, we provide careful estate planning services for families in Walnut Grove and throughout Sacramento County. A Special Needs Trust can protect a loved one’s eligibility for public benefits while preserving funds for their care and quality of life. This page explains what a Special Needs Trust does, who should consider one, and how our San Jose firm approaches planning with sensitivity and clarity. We aim to help families make informed decisions that balance legal protections with practical day-to-day needs for people with disabilities.
Planning for a family member with disabilities requires thoughtful consideration of both benefits eligibility and long-term care needs. A properly drafted Special Needs Trust allows assets to be used for supplemental needs without disqualifying the beneficiary from Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or other government programs. Our firm helps clients evaluate trust options, coordinate with other components of an estate plan such as a pour-over will and powers of attorney, and document caregiving intentions in a way that is reliable and understandable to future trustees and family members.
A Special Needs Trust provides legal structure to preserve benefits while enhancing a beneficiary’s life through goods and services not covered by public programs. This can include therapies, personal care items, education, transportation, and recreational activities. Establishing a trust reduces the risk that a lump sum or inheritance will inadvertently terminate critical public supports. It also clarifies decision-making roles and expectations for family members who will manage resources. Thoughtful planning brings peace of mind by aligning financial resources with the ongoing care and personal goals of the person with a disability.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman has served California families with estate planning needs from our San Jose base, offering personalized attention and clear legal guidance. We work closely with clients to design Special Needs Trusts that reflect each family’s priorities, coordinate trusts with other estate documents, and offer ongoing support as circumstances change. Our approach emphasizes practical steps, careful drafting, and communication with caregivers and trustees so plans remain effective over time. Clients find comfort in a process that balances legal protection with compassion and realistic solutions.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal arrangement that holds assets for a person with disabilities without disqualifying them from means-tested public benefits. These trusts are tailored to supplement, rather than replace, government supports by paying for items and services that benefits do not cover. Creating the trust requires clear language about allowable distributions, naming a trustee and successor, and coordinating the trust with other estate planning documents like a pour-over will, powers of attorney, and health care directives. The goal is to support the beneficiary’s needs while maintaining eligibility for critical programs.
There are different types of Special Needs Trusts, such as first-party trusts, third-party trusts, and pooled trusts, each serving different funding sources and protection goals. First-party trusts are funded with the beneficiary’s assets and often contain payback provisions to reimburse Medicaid. Third-party trusts are funded by family members and typically do not require payback. Pooled trusts are administered by nonprofit organizations and may be an option when an individual cannot manage funds themselves. Choosing the right structure depends on the source of funds and the family’s long-term plans.
A Special Needs Trust is a legally enforceable vehicle that holds property for the benefit of an individual with disabilities while protecting eligibility for public benefits that have income and asset limitations. The trust document specifies what the trustee may pay for, often including health-related services, education, transportation, and quality-of-life expenses. Language addressing Medicaid payback, successor trustees, and distribution priorities is essential. Well-drafted provisions ensure the trust supplements available benefits without creating conflicts that could jeopardize the beneficiary’s programs or create unintended tax or legal consequences.
Key elements of Special Needs Trust planning include identifying the beneficiary’s current and future needs, determining the source of trust funding, drafting clear distribution guidelines, and selecting trustees who will honor the beneficiary’s best interests. The process begins with an assessment of benefits eligibility, then moves to drafting documents and coordinating with other estate planning instruments like wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Trustees should receive guidance on permissible expenditures and recordkeeping to maintain benefit eligibility and to ensure that the trust serves its intended purpose over time.
Understanding commonly used terms can make Special Needs Trust planning more accessible. Terms such as beneficiary, trustee, payback provision, principal, and pooled trust describe parties, responsibilities, and funding rules that affect benefits and long-term planning. A glossary helps families know what to ask, how decisions affect eligibility, and why certain clauses matter for future management. Clear definitions reduce uncertainty and empower families to participate fully in drafting a trust tailored to their circumstances and the evolving needs of their loved one.
The beneficiary is the person with disabilities for whom the Special Needs Trust is created. They receive the benefit of trust distributions for supplemental needs that enhance quality of life. The trust is managed by a trustee who makes distributions in line with the trust’s terms. Naming and describing the beneficiary clearly in the trust document helps prevent administrative confusion and supports consistent treatment under public benefit rules. The beneficiary’s eligibility for programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income is a central consideration when drafting trust terms.
A payback provision requires that any remaining trust assets upon the beneficiary’s death be used to reimburse certain government programs, typically Medicaid, for benefits paid on the beneficiary’s behalf. This is common in first-party Special Needs Trusts funded with the beneficiary’s assets. The clause should be drafted carefully to balance reimbursement obligations with the family’s intentions for any residual funds. Knowing whether a trust will include a payback provision affects funding decisions and the selection between first-party and third-party trust structures.
The trustee is the individual or institution responsible for administering the Special Needs Trust in accordance with its terms and applicable law. Duties include managing investments, making distributions for allowable expenses, keeping records, and protecting benefits eligibility. Trustees should be chosen for reliability, judgment, and willingness to follow the family’s directions. Successor trustees should be named in advance to ensure continuity. Trustee responsibilities also include tax reporting and communication with government benefits administrators when appropriate.
A pooled trust is administered by a nonprofit organization that manages funds for multiple beneficiaries in separate accounts but pools resources for investment and administrative efficiency. Pooled trusts can accept both first-party and third-party funds and may be an option when an individual lacks a private trustee. They often provide flexible distribution policies and professional administration while retaining some individualized oversight. Families should compare pooled trust rules, fees, and payout procedures to ensure they meet the beneficiary’s needs and preserve benefit eligibility.
Families often weigh different trust arrangements and planning alternatives to determine which approach best protects benefits and responds to financial realities. Options include third-party Special Needs Trusts funded by family members, first-party trusts funded with the beneficiary’s assets, and pooled trusts managed by nonprofit organizations. Each has distinct implications for payback obligations, flexibility of distributions, and administrative responsibilities. Comparing these options involves considering funding sources, long-term goals for assets, ease of administration, and the potential impact on benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.
In situations where a beneficiary qualifies for stable public benefits and does not expect significant inheritances or windfalls, simpler planning tools may suffice. A modest third-party arrangement or a directive in a will that directs small gifts to a Special Needs Trust can preserve benefits without complex administration. Families with limited additional assets may prefer straightforward documentation and regular reviews instead of elaborate structures. Even with modest plans, clear instructions and trustee guidance help maintain benefit eligibility and avoid disruptions to important programs.
When financial needs are temporary or a beneficiary’s circumstances are expected to change in the near term, limited planning measures tailored to short-term support can be appropriate. For example, short-term trust provisions, payable-on-death designations, or modest supplemental funding from family members can cover immediate needs without creating long-term administrative burdens. These approaches require attention to how distributions are structured so they do not affect ongoing benefits. Periodic reassessment ensures the plan remains aligned with changing needs and opportunities.
A comprehensive trust arrangement is typically advisable when substantial assets, anticipated inheritances, or complex benefits interactions are involved. Families facing these circumstances benefit from a carefully drafted Special Needs Trust that addresses payback provisions, successor trustee selection, and distribution guidelines tailored to long-term care goals. Comprehensive planning coordinates trusts with retirement plan trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, and other estate components to minimize unintended consequences and to preserve eligibility while maximizing support for the beneficiary’s quality of life over time.
When a family’s plan must serve multiple beneficiaries or coordinate long-term care across different programs, a comprehensive legal approach ensures consistent, sustainable administration. Detailed planning clarifies how trust assets will be used, how decisions are made between family members and trustees, and how to adjust plans for changes in public benefits rules. Comprehensive documents include contingency planning, trustee guidance, and integration with documents like advance health care directives and powers of attorney to create a cohesive strategy for ongoing care and financial management.
A comprehensive Special Needs Trust plan brings clarity and long-term protection by anticipating future changes and coordinating multiple legal documents. It reduces the risk that an inheritance or settlement will disrupt public benefits and clarifies how funds should be used to enhance the beneficiary’s life. Such planning also addresses potential tax considerations, caregiver roles, and instructions for trustees to follow, helping families focus on caregiving rather than administrative uncertainty. The result is a durable plan that supports stability and meaningful opportunities for the person with disabilities.
Beyond preserving benefits, a full planning approach helps families document caregiving values and expectations so trustees can act consistently with the family’s wishes. Integrating the Special Needs Trust with wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives ensures transitions are smooth if the primary caregiver becomes unable to serve. Comprehensive plans may also include legacy decisions, instructions for educational or therapeutic priorities, and contingencies for changing benefit rules. The greater clarity and coordination reduce conflict and help maintain focus on the beneficiary’s well-being.
A primary benefit of a comprehensive Special Needs Trust is the ability to preserve public benefits while providing funds for supplemental needs that improve daily living. Thoughtfully drafted distribution standards enable trustees to pay for therapies, medical equipment, travel, educational programs, and recreational activities that public benefits may not cover. This dual protection approach ensures the beneficiary retains access to essential services while enjoying enhancements that support independence, social engagement, and personal development, all of which contribute to a more fulfilling life.
Comprehensive planning assigns clear roles and responsibilities to trustees and caregivers, which reduces family conflict and the emotional burden of decision-making. Trust documents that include detailed distribution guidelines, trustee succession plans, and communication protocols help ensure continuity of care and protect the beneficiary’s resources. By documenting preferred uses of trust funds and naming alternates for key positions, families can prevent disputes, provide steady support for the beneficiary, and preserve relationships through predictable, documented processes.
Start with a benefits review to understand current eligibility and potential risks to public programs. Early assessment helps determine whether a first-party, third-party, or pooled trust is most appropriate and identifies which assets need protective measures. Documenting income, assets, and benefit enrollment creates a baseline for drafting trust terms and distribution standards. By addressing benefits at the outset, families reduce the risk of inadvertent disqualification and create a plan that supports both immediate needs and future changes in care or funding.
Integrate the Special Needs Trust with wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and other planning instruments to ensure consistent handling of assets and care decisions. A pour-over will can transfer assets to a trust at death, while properly drafted powers of attorney and health care directives ensure day-to-day decisions align with the beneficiary’s needs. Coordination also clarifies funding sources and reduces the risk of unintended disinheritance or conflict. Periodic reviews will keep documents current with changes in law, family circumstances, and benefit programs.
Families consider Special Needs Trusts to protect a loved one’s public benefits while providing additional resources for care and enrichment. Trusts can shield inheritances, settlement proceeds, or other assets from countable resources that would jeopardize program eligibility. They also facilitate continuity of care by appointing trustees and laying out instructions for distributions that address the beneficiary’s lifestyle, therapies, or equipment needs. Planning ahead reduces the likelihood of future financial shocks and helps families ensure their intentions are carried out responsibly.
Another reason to consider a trust is to relieve family members of day-to-day financial management while preserving flexibility for discretionary spending that enhances the beneficiary’s quality of life. Properly structured trusts can include trustee guidance, successor naming, and provisions for changes in circumstances or benefit rules. By establishing clear roles and legal protections, families can focus on caregiving priorities and long-term well-being instead of piecemeal decision-making or last-minute legal scrambling.
Special Needs Trusts are commonly created when a beneficiary receives an inheritance, a settlement, or when parents want to leave assets to a child with disabilities without affecting benefits. Trusts are also useful when a beneficiary receives lump-sum payments, retirement plan distributions, or life insurance proceeds that could exceed resource limits for public benefits. Additionally, trusts help when long-term care needs are anticipated and families want to ensure funds are managed responsibly for supplemental goods and services.
An inheritance or unexpected financial windfall can inadvertently disqualify a beneficiary from means-tested public benefits. Placing such funds into a properly drafted Special Needs Trust preserves eligibility while allowing the trustee to use trust assets for supplemental needs. Planning ahead with a trust provision in a will or a third-party trust funded by family members prevents disruptions in benefits and provides a structured approach to managing new resources in the beneficiary’s best interest.
Settlement proceeds from lawsuits or insurance recoveries can be structured into a Special Needs Trust to protect benefits and to provide for long-term care needs. Funding a trust with settlement funds ensures payments are used for allowable supplemental expenses and that public benefits remain intact. Trust documents should address payback obligations when relevant and set clear distribution standards so trustees can manage the funds appropriately over the beneficiary’s lifetime.
When parents age or are no longer able to manage finances, a Special Needs Trust provides continuity by designating trustees and establishing distribution guidelines. Pour-over wills, guardianship nominations, and powers of attorney can be coordinated with the trust to ensure the beneficiary receives consistent support. Planning for successor trustees and documenting caregiver instructions reduces uncertainty and helps maintain the beneficiary’s standard of living after a parent’s incapacity or death.
We serve Walnut Grove, Sacramento County, and surrounding communities with practical estate planning guidance tailored to families with special needs. Our San Jose office is available by phone at 408-528-2827 to discuss initial questions and scheduling. We prioritize clear communication, careful drafting, and coordination with other legal documents, such as revocable living trusts, wills, and powers of attorney. Our goal is to provide families in the region with reliable planning options that protect benefits while supporting the beneficiary’s long-term needs and daily life.
Families seek our firm for its practical approach to designing trusts that balance legal protections with everyday caregiving needs. We help clients navigate the distinctions between first-party, third-party, and pooled trust options and provide straightforward recommendations based on each family’s resources and goals. Our process includes benefits review, document drafting, and trustee guidance so plans can be implemented smoothly and maintained over time. Clear communication and careful attention to detail are central to how we work with families.
We coordinate Special Needs Trusts with related estate planning documents such as pour-over wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and certification of trust documents. This comprehensive coordination reduces the risk of conflicting instructions and ensures assets flow to the intended trust at the appropriate time. Families appreciate that their plans are built for long-term use and include contingencies for changes in benefits rules or family circumstances, which helps protect the beneficiary’s support in the future.
Our team assists with practical trustee training, recordkeeping guidance, and ongoing plan reviews to adapt to life changes. Whether you are funding a trust with life insurance, retirement assets, or direct transfers, we help ensure the mechanics are handled properly and in a way that preserves program eligibility. We also address questions about pooled trusts, payback provisions, and funding strategies, so families can make informed choices that serve their loved one over the long term.
Our process begins with an initial consultation to review the beneficiary’s needs, current benefits status, and family objectives. We conduct a benefits analysis, consider funding sources, and recommend the trust structure that best meets the client’s goals. After agreement on the plan, we draft trust documents and coordinate related estate planning instruments. We then guide trustees through administration and recommend periodic reviews to keep the plan aligned with changing laws, benefits rules, and family circumstances, ensuring long-term protection and clarity.
During the intake and benefits assessment we gather detailed information about the beneficiary’s current benefits, income, and assets. This assessment identifies potential risks to eligibility and clarifies what supplemental needs the trust should address. We also review potential funding sources such as inheritances, settlements, retirement accounts, or life insurance proceeds. This foundational analysis informs the choice between trust types and the drafting of distribution rules tailored to preserve benefits while supporting the beneficiary’s needs.
Collecting accurate financial and medical information is essential for effective trust planning. We request documentation of benefits statements, insurance policies, asset lists, and medical or therapeutic needs to understand the beneficiary’s current support structure. This comprehensive view helps identify risks, prioritize trust provisions, and determine whether additional documents such as HIPAA authorizations or guardianship nominations are necessary. Complete records allow drafting that anticipates real-life needs and aligns distributions with actual care priorities.
We analyze how different funding sources will impact benefits and whether a payback provision is required. By reviewing potential assets—such as settlements, inheritances, retirement accounts, or personal savings—we determine the best mechanism for protecting benefits. This review clarifies if a first-party trust, third-party trust, or pooled trust is most appropriate and informs subsequent drafting choices. Clear guidance at this stage helps families avoid inadvertent disqualification and creates a plan suited to long-term financial management.
In the drafting phase we prepare the Special Needs Trust document and coordinate related estate planning instruments, including powers of attorney, advance health care directives, pour-over wills, and any required certifications of trust. The drafting addresses allowable distributions, trustee powers, successor trustees, recordkeeping requirements, and payback provisions if applicable. Coordination ensures assets transfer smoothly to the trust when intended and that all documents work together to protect benefits while supporting the beneficiary’s needs over time.
We draft clear language that specifies the trustee’s authority and permissible uses for trust funds, focusing on supplemental needs that will not disqualify public benefits. Distribution guidelines cover items such as therapies, education, personal care, and recreation while providing flexibility for unforeseen circumstances. The goal is to provide trustees with authoritative direction so they can make decisions confidently and in line with the family’s objectives. Well-drafted provisions also simplify interactions with benefits administrators when necessary.
We ensure that account beneficiary designations, pour-over wills, and any revocable living trusts are aligned so assets flow into the Special Needs Trust as intended. This coordination prevents assets from passing directly to the beneficiary in a way that could impact benefits. We advise on designating trustees, naming successors, and handling retirement plan designations to reduce tax and benefits complications. Proper coordination reduces administration complexity and helps ensure the plan functions as families expect during transitions.
After documents are executed, we assist with trust funding steps and provide guidance to trustees on permissible distributions, recordkeeping, and interactions with benefits programs. We recommend periodic reviews to update trust provisions as laws and family circumstances change. Ongoing support can include amendments when necessary, trustee training, and counsel on distributions for new needs. This implementation phase ensures the trust is functional, funded correctly, and positioned to serve the beneficiary’s needs for years to come.
Funding the trust may involve retitling assets, assigning proceeds, or configuring beneficiary designations so the trust receives intended funds. We guide clients through these steps to avoid unintended consequences that could affect benefits. Initial administration includes establishing trust bank accounts, creating recordkeeping systems, and providing trustees with instructions for allowable expenditures. These practical steps are essential to maintain benefit eligibility and ensure the trustee can manage the trust responsibly from day one.
Periodic reviews ensure the trust remains aligned with the beneficiary’s changing needs and with any updates in benefit rules or tax law. We assist with amendments, successor trustee changes, and additional funding as family circumstances evolve. Regular check-ins reduce the chance of obsolescence and help families adapt the plan to new information or priorities. Ongoing legal support provides continuity and reassurance that the planning continues to serve the beneficiary effectively over time.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal arrangement that holds assets for a person with disabilities while protecting their eligibility for government programs that have strict income and asset limits. The trustee manages the trust funds and makes distributions for supplemental needs, such as therapies, personal care items, education, and recreational activities that public benefits typically do not cover. The trust is designed to supplement, not replace, public benefits, and its language clarifies permissible uses of funds to preserve eligibility. The trust can be structured in different ways depending on the source of funds and the family’s goals. Third-party trusts are funded by family members and generally do not require reimbursement to public programs. First-party trusts use the beneficiary’s own assets and often include a payback provision to reimburse Medicaid. A pooled trust may be run by a nonprofit organization for those who need professional administration. Choosing among these options involves a review of funding sources and long-term objectives.
There are several common types of Special Needs Trusts. Third-party trusts are created and funded by family members for the beneficiary’s benefit and typically avoid payback requirements, allowing leftover funds to pass to other family members or heirs. First-party trusts are funded with the beneficiary’s own assets and generally include a payback provision to reimburse Medicaid for benefits paid. Each structure addresses different funding situations and has different administrative and legal implications. Pooled trusts are another option, administered by nonprofit organizations that hold individual accounts for beneficiaries while pooling investments and administration. Pooled trusts can be suitable when a private trustee is not available or when the beneficiary’s own funds must be protected while also meeting public benefits rules. The choice of trust depends on the source of funds, the family’s objectives, and the desired level of administrative support.
A properly drafted Special Needs Trust should preserve eligibility for Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income by ensuring the beneficiary does not directly own countable assets. The trust’s terms must limit distributions to supplemental items and services rather than income or resources that would disqualify the beneficiary. Language about allowable expenditures and trustee discretion is central to maintaining benefits, and trustees must understand what distributions are permissible under program rules. However, not every trust structure achieves this goal; funding method and document language matter. First-party trusts often require a payback clause to reimburse Medicaid, while third-party trusts can be drafted to avoid payback obligations. Trustee decisions and recordkeeping are also important because improper distributions can inadvertently affect eligibility. Regular consultation and careful administration minimize these risks.
A Special Needs Trust can be funded in a variety of ways, including through a third-party gift, a bequest in a will, life insurance proceeds, retirement plan designations, personal savings, or settlement proceeds. When funding a trust, care must be taken with account designations and transfer methods so that assets are properly routed to the trust rather than directly to the beneficiary, which could jeopardize public benefits. Pour-over wills are commonly used to transfer assets into a trust at death. If the trust will hold the beneficiary’s assets, as with certain settlements or inheritances, a first-party trust structure may be required and typically includes Medicaid payback provisions. When funding from third parties, the trust can often be drafted to allow greater flexibility and avoid payback. Coordination with financial institutions and retirement plan administrators is important to ensure funding is completed correctly.
A payback provision requires that any remaining assets in a first-party Special Needs Trust be used to reimburse certain public benefit programs, most commonly Medicaid, for the cost of benefits paid to the beneficiary during their lifetime. Payback clauses are often legally required when the trust is funded with the beneficiary’s own assets, including settlement proceeds or personal savings. This clause helps balance the protection of benefits with the obligation to repay public programs for services provided. Payback provisions affect long-term planning decisions and may influence whether the family chooses a first-party or third-party trust structure. Third-party trusts funded by family members typically do not include payback provisions, allowing leftover funds to be distributed to other heirs or charitable goals. Families should evaluate how payback rules interact with their intentions for residual assets and select the appropriate trust structure accordingly.
A family member can serve as trustee, and many families prefer a trusted relative to manage the trust because they know the beneficiary’s needs and values. Serving as trustee involves managing assets responsibly, making permissible distributions, keeping accurate records, and protecting benefits eligibility. It is important to name successor trustees and document decision-making guidelines to ensure continuity in the event the initial trustee becomes unavailable or unable to serve. When a family member serves as trustee, providing clear written instructions, training, and access to professional resources can help prevent mistakes. Some families opt for co-trustees or corporate trustees to combine personal knowledge with administrative support. The decision to appoint a family member should weigh the individual’s willingness and ability to perform fiduciary duties over the long term.
A pooled trust is managed by a nonprofit organization that maintains separate accounts for beneficiaries while pooling funds for investment and administrative efficiency. Pooled trusts accept funds from individuals and families and can be useful when a private trustee is not available or when the beneficiary’s assets need professional administration. They often provide experienced management and may accept both first-party and third-party funds, depending on the arrangement. Pooled trusts typically charge fees and have rules about distributions and residual funds, so families should review their terms carefully. They can be a practical option for smaller estates or when administrative simplicity is important. Comparing pooled trust policies, fees, and distribution flexibility will help determine whether this arrangement suits the beneficiary’s needs.
Coordinating a Special Needs Trust with other estate documents ensures assets flow to the trust as intended and that decision-making authority aligns with family objectives. Important documents to coordinate include pour-over wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and beneficiary designations for retirement accounts and life insurance. This coordination prevents assets from passing directly to the beneficiary in ways that could affect benefit eligibility and clarifies who will manage funds and health decisions when needed. Clear cross-references and consistent language across documents reduce conflicts and administrative confusion. For instance, beneficiary designations on retirement plans should be examined to avoid unintended taxable distributions. Working through these details during the drafting phase helps create a cohesive plan that works in practice and is easier for trustees and family members to follow.
What happens to trust assets at the beneficiary’s death depends on the trust’s terms. Third-party trusts typically direct remaining funds to heirs, charities, or other beneficiaries according to the grantor’s wishes. First-party trusts often include payback provisions requiring remaining funds to reimburse public programs such as Medicaid for benefits paid. Trust language should clearly specify residual distribution instructions so trustees understand their obligations and can act accordingly at the appropriate time. Families should consider residual plans when drafting the trust to ensure assets are distributed in a manner consistent with their intentions. Including contingency beneficiaries and clear payback directions avoids disputes and simplifies administration. Planning for residual distributions also allows families to plan for siblings, caregivers, or charitable goals after the beneficiary’s passing.
A Special Needs Trust should be reviewed periodically and whenever significant life events occur. Reviews are recommended when there are changes in the beneficiary’s benefits status, family circumstances, inheritances, or changes in law or public benefit rules. Regular reviews help ensure that trust provisions remain effective, that trustee guidance is up to date, and that any new funding sources are handled correctly to protect benefits eligibility. Updates may include amending trustees, revising distribution standards, coordinating newly acquired assets, or changing successor beneficiary designations. Scheduling reviews every few years, or sooner if major changes arise, helps maintain a plan that responds to evolving needs and safeguards the beneficiary’s support over time.
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