At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman in Redwood City, we help families create Special Needs Trusts that protect a loved one’s public benefits while providing for supplemental care and quality of life. A Special Needs Trust holds assets for a beneficiary with a disability so those funds enhance services without disqualifying eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or other public benefits. Our approach focuses on practical planning using tools such as Revocable Living Trusts, Pour-Over Wills, and Guardianship Nominations so a family’s intentions are honored and administrative transitions are smoother over time.
Special Needs Trust planning requires attention to both legal form and everyday realities of care. We review financial resources, government benefit rules, and family priorities to draft trust language and funding instructions tailored to the beneficiary’s situation. Documents commonly used include Financial Power of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directive, Certification of Trust, and HIPAA Authorization to ensure decision makers can act when needed. Families who plan clearly gain the ability to coordinate benefit receipt, pay for additional supports, and reduce the chance of future disputes or interruptions in critical services.
A properly drafted Special Needs Trust preserves eligibility for public benefits while allowing supplemental resources to pay for items and services not covered by government programs. It enables caregivers to designate how funds are used for housing, therapy, transportation, education, and recreational opportunities without jeopardizing means-tested assistance. Trust provisions also establish who manages distributions and provide direction for long-term care planning. For many families, a trust offers peace of mind by documenting intentions clearly, reducing uncertainty, and ensuring that financial resources are used in ways that promote the beneficiary’s wellbeing across changing needs.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves clients across San Mateo County from Redwood City with a focus on estate planning matters that include Revocable Living Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Heggstad Petitions, and Trust Modification Petitions. Our practice helps families prepare documents such as Last Will and Testament, Financial Power of Attorney, and Advance Health Care Directive to coordinate planning across possible future scenarios. We work with guardianship nominations and retirement plan trusts so planning is comprehensive and practical for California clients who want to protect a vulnerable family member while maintaining eligibility for public benefits and continuity of care.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal arrangement that holds assets for the benefit of a person with disabilities while permitting that person to continue receiving needs-based public benefits. There are different forms, including third-party trusts funded by family gifts or inheritances and first-party trusts funded by the beneficiary’s own assets. The trust must be drafted to avoid direct payments for basic support that would count as income or resources for benefit eligibility. Careful drafting addresses distribution standards, trustee authority, and whether the trust contains a payback provision for Medicaid claims at the beneficiary’s passing.
Using a Special Needs Trust involves more than drafting language; it requires planning how to fund the trust and selecting a trustee who will balance protection of benefits with flexible supplemental spending. Coordination often includes establishing related documents such as HIPAA Authorization and Certification of Trust, and may require estate tools like Pour-Over Wills that direct assets into a trust at death. Trusts can be modified through petition when circumstances change, and properly structured plans integrate with guardianship nominations and other tools so caregivers and decision makers can act with clarity if medical or financial needs evolve.
A Special Needs Trust is designed to hold and manage assets for a beneficiary with disabilities while preserving access to public assistance programs that have resource limits. The trust is administered by a trustee who pays for supplemental goods and services that improve the beneficiary’s quality of life, such as therapies, educational supports, and caregiving expenses not provided by government programs. Trust provisions typically specify permissible expenditures, successor trustees, and whether a Medicaid payback is required at the beneficiary’s death. Different types of trusts address distinct funding sources and legal constraints, so selection is based on the family’s circumstances and long-term goals.
Core elements of Special Needs Trust planning include identifying the beneficiary’s current and projected benefits, deciding how the trust will be funded, drafting trust language that protects eligibility, and appointing a trustee or trustees with clear distribution authority. The process usually begins with an intake to gather financial and medical information, followed by drafting and review of trust documents and related estate planning instruments. Funding the trust can occur through direct contributions, trust-to-trust transfers at death via a Pour-Over Will, or by creating a pooled trust arrangement. Ongoing administration, record keeping, and coordination with benefit agencies are important elements after the trust is in place.
Understanding the common terms used in Special Needs Trust planning helps families make informed decisions. This glossary covers terms such as first-party trust, third-party trust, pooled trust, payback provision, trustee responsibilities, and coordination with Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. Knowing these definitions clarifies how different trust forms interact with benefit eligibility and which choice best fits a family’s resources and objectives. Clear definitions also assist in conversations with caregivers, financial advisors, and support agencies when implementing a trust-based plan to support a loved one with a disability.
A first-party Special Needs Trust is funded with assets that belong to the beneficiary, such as an inheritance, settlement, or savings. This type of trust is often subject to a payback requirement where remaining funds upon the beneficiary’s death may be used to reimburse the state for Medicaid or other public benefits provided during the beneficiary’s lifetime. These trusts must comply with specific statutory rules to avoid disqualifying the beneficiary from needs-based programs. They can be an important tool when a beneficiary becomes entitled to funds directly and protective measures are needed to preserve public assistance eligibility.
A third-party Special Needs Trust is established and funded by someone other than the beneficiary, commonly parents, grandparents, or other family members. Because the beneficiary is not the source of the funds, these trusts typically do not carry a state payback requirement and can be written to provide greater flexibility for distributions to enhance the beneficiary’s life. Third-party trusts are often integrated within broader estate plans so assets pass into the trust through a Will or trust at a donor’s death, ensuring continued care and financial protection for the beneficiary without reducing eligibility for public benefits.
A pooled Special Needs Trust is managed by a non-profit organization that pools resources from many beneficiaries for investment or administrative efficiency while maintaining a separate sub-account for each beneficiary. Pooled trusts accept both first-party and third-party funds in some cases, and they can be a practical option when a family does not want to appoint a private trustee or when immediate funding is needed to preserve benefits. The nonprofit trustee administers distributions according to the beneficiary’s needs, and rules governing payback and administrative fees vary depending on the trust organization and state law.
A payback provision requires that remaining funds in a first-party Special Needs Trust be used to reimburse the state for Medicaid benefits paid on behalf of the beneficiary after their death. This provision ensures compliance with program rules when a trust contains the beneficiary’s own assets. Third-party trusts generally avoid this requirement, allowing remaining funds to pass to other family members or beneficiaries according to the donor’s instructions. Understanding how payback provisions operate is essential when selecting the trust type and drafting distribution provisions to balance the beneficiary’s needs and the family’s long-term planning objectives.
Families often choose between options ranging from informal support arrangements to formal Special Needs Trusts, pooled trust participation, or guardianship. Informal arrangements may be appropriate for short-term needs or small amounts, but they can create eligibility risks and lack long-term structure. A carefully drafted trust provides a legally enforceable framework to manage funds and protect public benefits. Guardianship can be necessary when decision-making capacity is limited, but trust planning often reduces the need for court involvement by establishing decision-making mechanisms in advance. Selecting the right path depends on the beneficiary’s legal capacity, the size and source of assets, and long-term care goals.
A limited approach can work when the beneficiary’s needs are modest and family members can manage small gifts without affecting public benefits. Informal arrangements might cover occasional expenses such as clothing, small recreational activities, or minor transportation costs when these payments do not alter eligibility calculations. Families should still document support and consult about benefit rules because repeated or large transfers can be treated as resources for Medicaid or SSI purposes. When assets are minimal and support will remain temporary, less formal measures may be reasonable while monitoring changes that could require more structured planning.
When a beneficiary has very limited assets and support is expected to be temporary, families may rely on informal caregiver arrangements or small contributions from relatives. In such situations, formal trust creation can be deferred while maintaining awareness of public benefit rules. However, if circumstances change and funds begin to accumulate or if long-term supports are needed, transitioning to a formal trust becomes advisable to prevent loss of benefits and to ensure sustained management of resources. Periodic review of the beneficiary’s financial picture helps determine when a more structured solution is required.
A comprehensive planning approach helps shield benefits that are vital to a beneficiary’s care by structuring finances and legal documents to avoid disqualification. Trust language, funding strategies, and related estate tools work together to maintain eligibility for programs like Medicaid and SSI while permitting supplemental spending. Long-term protection includes contingency planning for life changes, successor trustees, and modification processes so a plan remains responsive as medical needs or benefit rules evolve. Families gain assurance that resources will be directed in ways that complement public assistance rather than undermining it.
Comprehensive trust planning reduces uncertainty among family members by documenting clear distribution rules and appointing responsible decision makers. This clarity limits conflict and the need for court intervention while ensuring that records and reporting are maintained for benefit compliance. A thoughtful plan addresses contingencies such as successor trustees and modification procedures to keep administration manageable across many years. By integrating estate documents like Pour-Over Wills and Certifications of Trust, families create a coherent structure that simplifies transitions and preserves resources for the beneficiary’s ongoing care.
A full planning process yields several practical advantages: preservation of public benefits, coordinated decision-making through appointed trustees, and flexible access to supplemental funds for quality-of-life needs. Comprehensive plans incorporate supporting documents such as Financial Power of Attorney and Advance Health Care Directives so decision makers can respond promptly to medical and financial needs. The approach also anticipates changes by including provisions for trust modification and successor management, helping families adapt without losing protections or disrupting benefits that are essential to daily living.
Beyond immediate protections, comprehensive planning creates an enduring framework to pay for services not covered by public programs, including therapies, adaptive equipment, and social enrichment. Trusts can be tailored to permit discretionary spending for activities that enhance independence and dignity. Additionally, when trusts are integrated into an estate plan, they ensure that future inheritances or insurance proceeds are directed into the trust rather than delivered directly to the beneficiary, avoiding inadvertent loss of eligibility and simplifying long-term financial management for caregivers and trustees.
A properly drafted Special Needs Trust protects eligibility by separating countable assets from the beneficiary’s personal resources. The trust language controls distributions so that payments for supplemental goods and services do not count as income or resources for means-tested programs. This protection allows beneficiaries to continue receiving essential supports while also benefiting from additional privately funded services. Clear record keeping and coordination with benefit agencies help ensure that distributions are executed in ways that meet program rules and avoid triggering eligibility reviews or reductions.
A comprehensive trust provides flexibility to address individualized needs that public benefits do not cover, such as specialized therapies, community inclusion activities, transportation services, and home modifications. Trustees can tailor distributions to the beneficiary’s changing circumstances while adhering to established standards. The trust can also be structured to provide funds for emergency needs, supplemental medical supports, and enrichment opportunities that promote independence and wellbeing. This flexibility is valuable for families who want to enhance the beneficiary’s life in ways that complement but do not replace government-provided care.
Frequent review of public benefit eligibility and the beneficiary’s circumstances helps prevent accidental disqualification and ensures the trust’s distributions remain appropriate. Keep records of all trust expenditures, maintain up-to-date medical and support documentation, and check benefit program guidance periodically. Communication with caseworkers and service providers can avoid misunderstandings about income and resource limits. Regular reviews also allow the trustee and family to adapt distribution practices as the beneficiary ages, as needs change, and as program rules evolve, preserving the value of the trust over time.
Make sure the Special Needs Trust is part of a complete estate plan that includes Revocable Living Trusts, Pour-Over Wills, Designations for Retirement Plan Trusts, and Guardianship Nominations where appropriate. Directing inheritances and insurance proceeds into the trust helps prevent unintended direct transfers to the beneficiary that could affect benefits. Update beneficiary designations and related documents when life events occur, such as marriage, birth, or a change in financial circumstances. A coordinated plan reduces the likelihood of conflicts and simplifies administration for the family over time.
Families pursue Special Needs Trust planning to preserve eligibility for critical public benefits while arranging supplemental financial support that enhances daily life. Trusts let families direct funds for therapy, housing supports, assistive technology, and social experiences that government programs may not fund. Planning also provides a mechanism for handling settlements, inheritances, or gifts without creating resource-related disqualifications. For many caregivers, the knowledge that a legal structure is in place reduces worry about future financial security and provides a roadmap for managing care and resources in changing circumstances.
Another reason to consider trust planning is to reduce the administrative and interpersonal strain that can accompany caring for a person with disabilities. Documented distribution rules and appointed decision makers help avoid disputes among family members and clarify financial responsibilities. Trusts can include directions for successor management and contingencies for life changes, making transitions smoother if the primary caregiver can no longer provide care. Overall, a trust provides a documented plan that protects both the beneficiary’s benefits and the family’s intentions for long-term support.
Situations that often lead families to seek a Special Needs Trust include receiving a settlement from a personal injury claim, inheriting assets intended for a person with disabilities, or anticipating future funds from life insurance or retirement accounts. Families also plan when a child with disabilities approaches adulthood, when a caregiver ages and seeks continuity arrangements, or when there is a desire to preserve Medicaid and SSI eligibility while providing supplemental support. Planning is timely when resources are present or expected, and when families want to formalize decision-making authority for long-term care.
When a beneficiary receives a settlement, award, or sizable gift, immediate trust planning can prevent that money from counting as an available resource for benefits. Placing funds into a Special Needs Trust promptly helps preserve public assistance while allowing the settlement to cover supplemental needs. Timing and trust structure are important to satisfy program rules and, where required, address payback provisions. Handling settlements through a trust protects both the beneficiary’s access to services and the intended use of funds for long-term care and quality-of-life improvements.
Families often use third-party Special Needs Trusts within estate plans to direct inheritances and legacy gifts into a trust for a loved one with disabilities. This prevents direct inheritance from inadvertently disqualifying the beneficiary from means-tested benefits. Integrating a trust with Revocable Living Trusts and Pour-Over Wills ensures that assets pass into the planned structure at the appropriate time. Creating this mechanism in advance offers clarity, preserves benefits, and allows donors to specify how remaining funds should be handled after the beneficiary’s lifetime.
Caregivers who anticipate changes in their ability to provide hands-on support often establish Special Needs Trusts to ensure continuity of care and financial administration. Trusts appoint successors and provide instructions for distributions and housing arrangements to reduce disruption when a caregiver retires, becomes ill, or passes away. Early planning reduces the need for emergency measures and gives families time to choose trustees, document preferences, and coordinate with service providers so the beneficiary experiences a stable transition to new supports.
We are available to help Redwood City and San Mateo County families with Special Needs Trust creation, funding, and ongoing administration. The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides guidance on related estate planning documents including Last Will and Testament, Revocable Living Trusts, Financial Power of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directive, HIPAA Authorization, and Guardianship Nominations. We assist in preparing Certification of Trust forms, General Assignment of Assets to Trust, and coordinate approaches such as Pooled Trusts or Heggstad Petitions when assets must be moved into trust to protect benefits.
Our practice focuses on practical estate planning solutions for California families who need to preserve public benefits while providing supplemental support. We guide clients through choices among Revocable Living Trusts, irrevocable trusts like Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, and Special Needs Trust options, and prepare related documents including Pour-Over Wills and Retirement Plan Trusts. The goal is to create a coherent plan that aligns assets, decision-making authority, and healthcare directives so families have a sustainable legal framework in place for the long term.
We assist families in selecting appropriate trustees, drafting distribution standards, and coordinating funding methods so trusts function smoothly with benefits programs. Services include preparing documentation such as Advance Health Care Directives and HIPAA Authorizations, helping with Trust Modification Petitions when circumstances change, and advising on Guardianship Nominations should a court-appointed guardian become necessary. Our process emphasizes clear communication, detailed drafting, and careful consideration of how each instrument interrelates within the larger estate plan.
Clients can expect transparent discussions about fees, timelines, and the administrative responsibilities associated with trust management. We provide step-by-step assistance for initial setup and offer ongoing support for record keeping, distributions, and interactions with benefit agencies as needed. Families in Redwood City and throughout San Mateo County can contact our office at 408-528-2827 to schedule a consultation and begin a planning process tailored to the beneficiary’s needs and the family’s resources.
Our process begins with an in-depth intake to understand the beneficiary’s needs, current benefits, family resources, and long-term goals. We then evaluate which trust form and funding strategy best preserve benefits while accomplishing the family’s intentions. Drafting follows, with careful review of distribution standards, trustee powers, and payback provisions where applicable. After execution, we assist with funding steps such as changing beneficiary designations, transferring assets into trust, and coordinating with financial institutions and service providers to ensure a smooth transition to the trust structure.
During the first stage we gather financial statements, benefit eligibility details, medical background, and family preferences. This information allows us to recommend whether a first-party, third-party, or pooled trust best suits the beneficiary’s circumstances. We also review related documents like Powers of Attorney and Advance Health Care Directives to ensure decision makers are identified. The planning stage concludes with a written summary of recommended documents and next steps so families know exactly what will be created and why.
Collecting current information about income, assets, and public benefits is essential to determine whether funds are countable and how a trust should be structured. We examine SSI, Medicaid, and other assistance rules that apply in California and discuss how potential funding sources such as inheritances, life insurance, or settlements should be directed. A clear picture of eligibility and resource levels enables drafting that preserves benefits while allowing discretionary support for the beneficiary’s needs and personal goals.
Based on gathered facts, we advise whether a third-party trust, first-party trust, pooled trust, or another arrangement best meets objectives. This decision considers payback requirements, donor intentions, administrative capacity, and the potential need for court oversight. We explain the implications of each choice and recommend trust provisions that align with benefit rules and family priorities. The recommendation includes suggested trustees and related estate documents to ensure seamless integration across the plan.
In the drafting phase we prepare the trust instrument and related estate documents such as Pour-Over Wills, Certification of Trust, Financial Power of Attorney, and Advance Health Care Directive. Drafting addresses distribution language, permissible uses of trust funds, trustee authority, record keeping, and successor provisions. We review the documents with the family to make adjustments and ensure they reflect the beneficiary’s needs and donor intentions. Final execution is arranged to meet California formalities and to integrate the trust with the family’s overall estate plan.
Trust provisions are written to allow discretionary distributions for supplemental needs while avoiding direct payments that would count as income or resources for public benefits. We include guidelines for permissible expenditures, documentation requirements for trustees, and contingencies for successor trustees. The terms also address how remaining assets are to be handled at the beneficiary’s death, including any payback obligations or directions to other beneficiaries, as appropriate.
After documents are signed, we assist families in funding the trust by updating beneficiary designations, transferring bank and investment accounts, and preparing assignments of assets where necessary. For assets that pass at death, Pour-Over Wills or beneficiary designations can be used so assets flow into the trust. We also coordinate with insurance carriers, retirement plan administrators, and financial institutions to ensure transfers are effective and comply with the intended trust structure.
Once a trust is funded, administration requires careful record keeping, periodic reviews of benefit eligibility, and prudent distribution practices. We provide guidance on maintaining documentation of expenditures, filing any necessary reports, and communicating with benefit caseworkers to avoid misunderstandings. If circumstances change, we can assist with trust modification petitions or other court filings to adapt the plan. Ongoing support helps trustees manage responsibilities and ensures the trust continues to meet the beneficiary’s evolving needs.
Trustees are responsible for making distributions according to trust terms, keeping accurate financial records, and acting in the beneficiary’s best interest within the constraints of benefit rules. We provide checklists and templates for documenting expenditures and preparing annual summaries to demonstrate appropriate use of funds. Clear record keeping protects benefits eligibility and supports transparent administration that family members and agencies can review if questions arise.
Beneficiary needs and benefit program rules may change over time, so trusts should be reviewed periodically. When necessary, we assist with Trust Modification Petitions, Heggstad Petitions to transfer assets into a trust, or other legal steps to maintain plan effectiveness. Regular reviews ensure that distribution standards, trustee appointments, and funding mechanisms remain appropriate and continue to support the beneficiary’s long-term welfare.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal instrument that holds assets for a person with disabilities while allowing them to continue receiving needs‑based public benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. The trust’s terms restrict direct payments for basic support that would count as resources under benefit rules, while enabling discretionary distributions for supplemental care, therapies, equipment, and community participation. Different trust types serve different funding sources and come with distinct rules regarding payback and administration. Using a trust protects benefits by separating countable assets from the beneficiary’s personal resources and appoints a trustee to manage distributions. This structure reduces the risk of losing eligibility while permitting additional supports that improve quality of life. Families should coordinate trust planning with related documents and funding strategies so inheritances, settlements, or gifts do not unintentionally affect benefits.
A Special Needs Trust can be funded in several ways, including direct contributions from family, transfers at death through a Pour-Over Will or Revocable Living Trust, settlement proceeds, or by establishing a pooled trust account with a nonprofit. Third-party funding typically avoids Medicaid payback requirements and provides flexibility for future spending, while first-party funding often comes with a payback obligation. Ensuring that funds are directed into the proper trust form is critical to preserving benefits. Funding also involves practical steps like updating beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts to direct proceeds to the trust, transferring bank and investment accounts into the trust, and preparing assignment documents as needed. Working with counsel and financial institutions helps confirm that transfers are completed correctly and that the trust receives the intended resources without causing eligibility problems.
A first-party Special Needs Trust is funded with assets that belong to the beneficiary, such as a settlement or savings, and typically includes a requirement that remaining funds be used to reimburse the state for Medicaid expenses after the beneficiary’s death. This type of trust protects benefits during the beneficiary’s lifetime but may be subject to payback rules. A third-party Special Needs Trust is funded by someone other than the beneficiary, often a parent or grandparent. Third-party trusts usually do not require Medicaid payback and offer greater flexibility about how remaining funds are distributed at death. Families commonly use third-party trusts within estate plans to direct inheritances and gifts into the trust for long-term protection.
A Special Needs Trust can often be modified to reflect changed circumstances, but the process depends on the trust terms and applicable state law. Some trusts include built-in amendment provisions, while others may require a court petition to make substantive changes, especially when a first-party trust contains payback provisions or when modifications affect the beneficiary’s rights. Periodic review is advisable so trusts can be updated for changes in family dynamics, funding sources, or benefit rules. When changes are needed, counsel can advise whether an amendment, restatement, or court petition is the appropriate route to ensure continued benefit protection and alignment with the family’s goals.
A payback provision requires that any remaining funds in a first-party Special Needs Trust be used to reimburse the state for Medicaid benefits provided to the beneficiary during their lifetime. This provision is a common requirement for trusts funded with the beneficiary’s own assets and ensures compliance with program rules for Medicaid eligibility. Because of the payback obligation, heirs may receive little or no remaining trust funds after the beneficiary’s death if Medicaid claims are substantial. Families considering funding from the beneficiary’s assets should weigh the implications and consider alternative strategies, such as third-party trusts or life insurance arrangements, to provide for heirs while preserving benefits.
Trustees have fiduciary duties to administer the trust in the beneficiary’s best interest, make distributions consistent with trust terms, maintain accurate records of expenditures, and avoid conflicts of interest. Trustees must balance providing supplemental support with preserving eligibility for public benefits by documenting how funds are used and by communicating with service providers and benefit administrators when appropriate. Practical trustee tasks include preparing accountings, securing invoices and receipts for purchases, consulting with family about the beneficiary’s needs and preferences, and coordinating with professionals such as financial advisors or care coordinators. Trustees should also plan for successor appointments and ensure that trust investments and distributions remain aligned with the beneficiary’s long-term welfare.
A pooled trust may be appropriate when a family prefers not to appoint a private trustee or when the beneficiary needs immediate access to a trust vehicle but the family lacks the resources to manage a stand‑alone trust. Pooled trusts are managed by nonprofit organizations that pool investments and administration while maintaining separate accounts for each beneficiary, often providing cost efficiencies and professional administration. Pooled trusts can accept first-party funds in many cases and may be a practical option for smaller estates or for beneficiaries who receive settlements. Families should evaluate administrative fees, payback policies, and the nonprofit’s rules to ensure the pooled trust aligns with the beneficiary’s needs and the family’s objectives for long-term care and distributions.
Even if a family member already receives Medicaid and SSI, a Special Needs Trust may still be necessary to protect new funds that could otherwise disqualify the beneficiary. Establishing a trust before receiving a settlement, inheritance, or other significant asset prevents those resources from being counted as personal assets and preserves ongoing eligibility. Trust planning is also useful to formalize long-term management of funds for supplemental needs. Routine review is important because benefit rules change and personal circumstances evolve. A trust helps manage unexpected income or gifts in a way that complements public benefits. Families should consult about how new resources should be handled to avoid interruptions in critical services.
The timeline to set up a Special Needs Trust can vary depending on the complexity of the beneficiary’s needs and how quickly funding sources are identified and transferred. Drafting the trust and related estate documents can often be completed within a few weeks when information is readily available and parties are prepared to sign. Funding the trust could take additional time as financial institutions, insurance carriers, and retirement plan administrators process transfers and beneficiary designation changes. Some circumstances require expedited attention, such as when a settlement is imminent. In those cases, counsel can help prepare and execute trust documents quickly and coordinate with the payor to direct funds into the trust. Ongoing administrative steps after funding include keeping records and coordinating with benefit caseworkers to ensure the trust functions as intended.
To begin Special Needs Trust planning in Redwood City, contact the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman to schedule an initial consultation. During that meeting, provide information about the beneficiary’s benefits, assets, medical needs, and family goals. We will review which trust type suits your situation, outline related estate documents needed, and propose next steps for drafting and funding the trust. After the consultation, we prepare draft documents for review, assist with execution formalities, and guide you through funding actions such as changing beneficiary designations or transferring accounts. We also advise on trustee selection and establish administrative practices to maintain compliance with benefit programs, providing support throughout the setup and administration process.
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