At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman in Santa Clara, we help families plan for the long term care and financial security of loved ones with disabilities. A special needs trust can preserve eligibility for public benefits while providing funds for quality of life expenses that government programs do not cover. This page explains what a special needs trust is, why it may be needed, and how a carefully prepared plan can reduce uncertainty. We focus on practical planning steps, clear communication, and tailored documents that reflect California law and county practices, including coordination with Medi-Cal and Supplemental Security Income rules.
Families facing the challenges of arranging support for a person with disabilities need straightforward information and realistic options. A special needs trust can be a central tool in that plan, allowing a trustee to use trust assets for housing, therapies, education, transportation, and other needs that improve daily living without jeopardizing essential benefits. This overview provides context for the types of trusts commonly used, steps to create and fund a trust, and how our office typically works with clients in Santa Clara County. Our goal is to help you make confident choices that align with your family’s values and long term objectives.
A special needs trust plays a vital role in balancing private resources with public benefits that support medical care and daily living. By placing assets in a properly structured trust, families can ensure funds are available for supplemental needs like therapies, adaptive equipment, recreation, and personal care items that are not paid by entitlement programs. Additionally, the trust can lay out decision making for long term housing and support, helping reduce disputes and undue hardship. Proper planning can also provide direction for successor trustees and reduce administrative burdens while preserving the recipient’s access to housing, health care, and income-based programs.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves families in Santa Clara and throughout Santa Clara County, providing estate planning and trust services focused on practical outcomes. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, careful drafting of trust and related documents, and coordination with financial advisors and care providers. We help families identify the assets that should be placed in trust, select appropriate trustees, and prepare backup documents such as powers of attorney and health care directives. Our work is grounded in California law and local court practices, with attention to minimizing later complications and supporting long term stability for beneficiaries.
A special needs trust is a legal arrangement designed to hold assets for a person with disabilities while preserving eligibility for means-tested public benefits. The trust document explains how funds may be used and names a trustee to manage distributions. Trusts can be created for a disabled person by a parent, grandparent, guardian, or court, and can be funded during life or through a will. Key features include discretionary distributions for supplemental needs, provisions for successor trustees, and payback or reimbursement terms that comply with applicable rules. Proper drafting aligns the trust language with federal and California benefit programs to avoid unintended disqualification.
There are several types of special needs arrangements, including first-party trusts funded with the beneficiary’s assets, third-party trusts funded by family members, and pooled trusts managed by nonprofit organizations. Each option has trade-offs regarding control, payback requirements, and flexibility. Deciding which path to take depends on the source of funds, the beneficiary’s age and needs, and long term family goals. Our process includes reviewing income and asset sources, evaluating public benefits eligibility, and outlining funding strategies that protect benefits while providing meaningful enhancements to the beneficiary’s quality of life.
A special needs trust is a legally enforceable instrument that holds assets for someone with disabilities while allowing the trustee to manage those assets for items that do not affect eligibility for public programs. The trust language provides guidance on permitted uses such as personal care, education, transportation, therapies, and home modifications, while generally avoiding direct cash handouts that could jeopardize benefits. Trusts may contain provisions for medical support, recreational activities, and one-time purchases as well as rules for how residual assets are handled. Tailoring the trust document to the beneficiary’s situation and keeping current with benefit program rules are essential to preserving access to supports.
A sound trust contains clear trustee powers, distribution standards, funding instructions, and successor trustee provisions. Trustee duties include managing investments prudently, documenting expenditures, and communicating with beneficiaries and care providers. The trust should specify permitted purchases and services, procedures for making discretionary distributions, and whether the trust includes a payback clause to reimburse the state for benefits received. In practice, setting up the trust also involves coordinating beneficiary documentation, transferring assets or naming the trust as a beneficiary on accounts, and keeping records to demonstrate that distributions were for allowable supplemental items under benefit program rules.
Navigating special needs planning involves several technical terms and processes that affect benefit eligibility and trust administration. Understanding terms such as first-party trust, third-party trust, pooled trust, payback provision, and trustee discretion helps families make informed decisions. This glossary provides concise explanations to clarify how each element impacts the overall plan and what families should consider when funding or amending a trust. Becoming familiar with these terms makes it easier to discuss options during a consultation and to ensure documents accomplish practical goals in ways that align with legal and program requirements.
A first-party special needs trust holds assets that belong to the beneficiary, often funded with an inheritance, settlement proceeds, or other personal assets. These trusts typically include a payback clause requiring remaining funds to reimburse the state for public benefits paid on behalf of the beneficiary after the beneficiary’s death. First-party trusts are often established by a parent, guardian, or the court for beneficiaries under a certain age, and they must be carefully drafted to meet legal requirements that preserve eligibility for programs such as Medi-Cal and Supplemental Security Income.
A pooled trust is managed by a nonprofit organization that pools funds from multiple beneficiaries for investment and administrative efficiency while maintaining separate accounts for distribution purposes. Pooled trusts can be an option when families prefer nonprofit administration or when establishing a private trust is not practical. They may offer reduced administrative costs and experienced trusteeship. Each account is used to support the individual beneficiary’s supplemental needs, and pool administrators typically handle reporting, recordkeeping, and coordination with benefit programs on behalf of beneficiaries and families.
A third-party special needs trust is funded by someone other than the beneficiary, most commonly a parent or other family member. Because these trusts are not funded with the beneficiary’s own assets, they generally do not require a payback to the state and can provide greater flexibility for residual distributions to other family members or charitable causes. Third-party trusts are often included within estate plans to leave a legacy that enhances a beneficiary’s life without affecting eligibility for public benefits, and they can be drafted to give trustees broad discretion for supplemental support.
A payback provision requires that remaining trust assets be used to reimburse the state for public benefits provided to the beneficiary, typically after the beneficiary’s death. This clause is common in first-party trusts and certain pooled trusts, and the specific reimbursement rules depend on the funding source and applicable program regulations. Families should understand how a payback clause works and whether it applies to their chosen trust arrangement, because it affects how residual assets are distributed and whether any funds can pass to family members or other intended beneficiaries.
Choosing the right trust structure requires weighing control, cost, flexibility, and the impact on benefits. Third-party trusts offer flexibility in how assets are used after the beneficiary’s death but require funding by others. First-party trusts protect benefits while accommodating the beneficiary’s own funds but generally include payback requirements. Pooled trusts provide nonprofit administration and may be suitable for smaller estates or when family members prefer relinquishing administrative duties. Our consultations review these trade-offs in the context of family goals, the types and amounts of assets available, and long term care and housing plans to identify a practical path forward.
A limited approach may work for individuals whose supplemental needs are modest and whose assets are minimal, particularly when the beneficiary already qualifies for public benefits and future resources are unlikely to change substantially. In such situations, a smaller pooled trust account or a simple third-party funding plan paired with clear instructions to family caregivers can provide needed support without the complexity of a fully tailored private trust. Limited planning can also serve as an interim measure while families gather information and decide on longer term arrangements.
When benefit eligibility is well established and the family expects no significant changes in income or assets, a shorter planning process can be sufficient. This approach focuses on ensuring current eligibility continues and setting up straightforward mechanisms for handling small gifts, inheritances, or account changes. Families with reliable community supports and a simple financial picture may not need extensive contingency planning, though it is still wise to document intentions and name backup decision makers to avoid confusion if circumstances shift later on.
Comprehensive planning is advisable when families face complex financial situations, expect substantial future resources, or when the beneficiary will rely heavily on multiple public programs for healthcare and income support. In those cases, careful drafting and coordination among trust documents, wills, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations is needed to prevent benefits disruption and to ensure assets are used as intended. Comprehensive plans also address future residential support, vocational services, and coordination with guardianship or conservatorship if needed, reducing the risk of disputes and ensuring continuity of care.
When a trust must support ongoing services, housing, or care coordination, it is important to create a durable administrative structure with defined trustee responsibilities, documentation standards, and reporting practices. Comprehensive plans often include successor trustee arrangements, contingency instructions if a trustee cannot serve, and detailed distribution guidelines to reduce uncertainty. This level of detail helps trustees make consistent decisions, informs caregivers about available resources, and provides families with a roadmap for periodic reviews and amendments as circumstances evolve over time.
A comprehensive approach can protect public benefits, preserve assets for meaningful supplemental needs, and reduce the likelihood of disputes among family members. By addressing funding methods, trustee selection, and how the trust interacts with estate documents, families gain clarity and operational guidance for the long term. Comprehensive planning also allows for tailored provisions that reflect the beneficiary’s daily routines, preferences, and long term care goals, which can improve the beneficiary’s quality of life while minimizing administrative surprises and costs later on.
Another key benefit is continuity. A detailed plan anticipates future transitions, such as changes in caregiving arrangements, educational needs, housing adjustments, and healthcare shifts. With that foresight, trustees and family members can react quickly and appropriately, reducing service interruptions. Comprehensive documents also support effective communication with physicians, social workers, and case managers, making it easier to use trust funds for permitted items and to demonstrate to agencies that benefit eligibility has been preserved through careful administration.
One of the primary benefits of thorough planning is maintaining eligibility for public programs such as Medi-Cal and Supplemental Security Income while still providing for quality of life enhancements. Properly drafted trust language, disciplined distribution practices, and coordinated asset transfers help ensure that the presence of trust assets does not inadvertently disqualify the beneficiary. This balance enables families to supplement government supports with private funds for items and activities that are important to the beneficiary’s well being without risking their core benefits.
Comprehensive documents can reduce ambiguity and the potential for conflict by spelling out the trustee’s authority, priorities for distributions, and expectations for care. Well drafted provisions and clear communication help family members understand how decisions will be made and who will manage funds, which can reduce disputes and stress during emotionally charged times. A plan that addresses contingencies and appoints capable successor decision makers also provides assurance that the beneficiary will be cared for consistently if primary caregivers cannot continue in their roles.
Start by compiling current documentation for public benefits, medical insurance, care providers, and key contacts. A concise but complete file makes it easier to evaluate eligibility and to coordinate trust distributions with service providers. Include copies of Medi-Cal or SSI award letters, current income statements, physician notes regarding care needs, and contact information for social workers or case managers. This preparation shortens the planning timeline and helps ensure that trust language and administrative practices are tailored to actual circumstances rather than assumptions about coverage or services.
Review trust documents and related estate planning paperwork periodically and after major life events such as changes in caregiver availability, receipt of an inheritance, or significant shifts in medical needs. Laws and benefit program rules can also change, so periodic review ensures that the plan remains effective. Regular reviews give families the opportunity to adjust distribution standards, update trustee authorities, and refine funding strategies to match evolving needs, preserving both benefits and the beneficiary’s quality of life over time.
Families often consider a special needs trust to balance private resources with the need for ongoing public benefits. Trusts provide a mechanism to fund additional supports and discretionary items that improve daily living without threatening eligibility for programs such as Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security Income. They also create a formal structure for decision making and asset management, which can be especially helpful when multiple family members are involved in caregiving. A trust can address long term housing, transportation, educational expenses, and therapies in a way that is coordinated and thoughtfully documented.
Other reasons to arrange a trust include planning for future changes in care needs, ensuring continuity if primary caregivers become unable to serve, and managing inheritances or settlements that could otherwise disrupt benefits. A well drafted trust can avoid the need for emergency court interventions, reduce family conflict, and provide a roadmap for trustees and caregivers. Planning ahead also gives families time to implement funding strategies, such as beneficiary designations or transfers, that accomplish goals while maintaining eligibility for public programs.
Special needs trusts are commonly used after a parent or grandparent wants to leave resources to a loved one with disabilities, when a beneficiary receives a settlement from a lawsuit, or when an individual inherits assets that would otherwise affect benefits. They are also appropriate when families want to supplement government benefits with private funds for therapies, adaptive equipment, or residential supports. Trustees may also establish a trust to manage proceeds from life insurance, retirement benefits, or other sources so distributions are consistent with long term care goals and benefit rules.
When a beneficiary receives an inheritance, personal injury settlement, or other lump sum, placing those funds into a properly structured trust can preserve eligibility for means-tested programs while ensuring the money is used for supplemental needs. Without a trust, a significant asset infusion can disqualify the beneficiary from Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security Income, potentially causing a loss of essential services. Timely action to create and fund a trust can prevent disruptions and provide a plan for responsible use of the funds.
Parents and caregivers often want a durable plan that addresses the lifetime needs of a child or adult with disabilities, including housing, daytime activities, and ongoing therapies. A trust provides a framework for accumulating funds, directing how they may be spent, and appointing trustees who will manage resources in the beneficiary’s best interest. Integrating the trust with estate planning documents, powers of attorney, and health care directives creates a cohesive plan that prepares for transitions and ensures continuity of care.
When families anticipate changes in benefits eligibility, medical needs, or caregiving capacity, a trust can be an effective tool for managing uncertainty. A properly crafted trust enables flexible distributions for emerging needs such as assistive technology, home modifications, or community inclusion programs, while preserving essential public benefits. Planning ahead reduces the likelihood of gaps in services and gives trustees clear authority to act promptly when new needs arise, helping the beneficiary maintain stability and access to supports.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman is available to guide families through creating and funding special needs trusts in Santa Clara and throughout Santa Clara County. We provide detailed document drafting, coordination with benefit counselors, and practical advice on trustee selection, funding methods, and ongoing administration. Our offices can review existing plans, advise on modifications, and assist with court filings if a first-party trust or guardianship is required. Families are welcome to call 408-528-2827 to schedule a consultation and begin the process of creating a durable, benefits-friendly plan.
Choosing a law office that understands local procedures and how state and federal benefit rules interact is important for successful planning. Our practice focuses on clear communication, careful drafting, and practical implementation. We work with families to identify funding sources, draft trust documents that reflect the beneficiary’s needs and family goals, and coordinate with professionals such as accountants and care coordinators. That collaborative approach helps ensure trust documents are functional and that trustees can administer funds in ways that support the beneficiary’s wellbeing.
We provide step-by-step guidance on transferring assets, titling accounts, and making beneficiary designations that align with the trust plan. Mistakes in these areas can unintentionally disqualify someone from benefits or create administrative problems for trustees. Our office assists in organizing the necessary paperwork, communicating with financial institutions, and preparing documentation for Medi-Cal or Social Security reviews when appropriate. We also prepare related estate planning documents so that trusts coordinate with wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives.
Families often appreciate having a written plan that is easy to follow during stressful times. We aim to provide that clarity by producing user-friendly documents and an implementation checklist for trustees and caregivers. Whether you are beginning planning now or updating an existing trust, our office will explain options in plain language, outline the likely steps and timelines, and offer ongoing support for trust administration questions. To start planning, call our Santa Clara office at 408-528-2827 to set up a consultation tailored to your family’s needs.
Our process begins with a comprehensive intake to understand the beneficiary’s needs, current benefits, and the family’s goals. We review financial statements, insurance, and any anticipated sources of funds, then recommend the appropriate trust structure. Drafting follows with careful attention to distribution language, trustee powers, and coordination with other estate documents. After execution, we assist with funding the trust, making necessary account changes, and providing trustees with guidance for ongoing administration so that the trust functions as intended.
The initial meeting focuses on gathering relevant information about benefits, current assets, and the beneficiary’s medical and support needs. We ask about any pending or expected inheritances, settlements, or account beneficiary designations, and collect documentation such as benefit award letters and medical records. This fact-finding stage allows us to identify the trust type and drafting considerations that best fit the situation, and to present a clear plan for moving forward that includes timelines, likely costs, and next steps for funding and document execution.
A critical component of the first step is reviewing current benefit eligibility and how different funding methods might affect those benefits. We examine Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income, and any state or local assistance programs that support the beneficiary, noting the income and asset thresholds that matter. This analysis helps determine whether a first-party, third-party, or pooled trust is most appropriate and informs drafting language to preserve eligibility while enabling supplemental distributions for approved items and services.
We inventory all potential sources of funding, including bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, life insurance, and potential inheritances. For each asset, we evaluate options such as retitling, designating the trust as beneficiary, or assigning proceeds to the trust. This assessment supports practical recommendations on how to fund the trust without disrupting benefits and identifies any immediate actions needed to protect eligibility. The result is a clear funding plan matched to the trust documents we will prepare.
During drafting, we prepare the trust instrument and any related documents such as a pour-over will, power of attorney, and advance health care directive. Drafting emphasizes clear distribution standards, trustee powers, and payback provisions when required. We discuss potential trustees and draft provisions for successor appointment, resignation, and trustee replacement. The goal is to produce a practical, enforceable document that reflects the family’s intentions and complies with applicable benefit rules and California legal requirements.
The trust document sets forth how the funds may be used, the standards for discretionary distributions, and the trustee’s administrative responsibilities. We include provisions that facilitate interactions with service providers, recordkeeping requirements for distributions, and guidance on long term support planning. If a payback clause applies, the document will specify the procedures for reimbursement. We also draft clear instructions for successor trustees so continuity is maintained and the trust operates as intended for the beneficiary’s benefit.
To ensure the trust fits within an overall estate plan, we prepare supporting documents such as a pour-over will, powers of attorney for finances, advance health care directives, and guardianship nominations if appropriate. These documents ensure that assets not immediately placed in the trust are directed appropriately at death and that decision makers are in place if the beneficiary or caregiver becomes incapacitated. Coordinating these elements reduces gaps and strengthens the plan’s effectiveness.
After documents are signed, we assist with funding the trust, which may include retitling accounts, beneficiary designations, or assignments to the trust. Funding steps are critical to ensure the plan functions as intended and may require coordination with banks, insurance companies, and retirement plan administrators. We also provide trustee onboarding materials, including checklists, recordkeeping templates, and guidance on coordinating with care providers to demonstrate that distributions are for permissible supplemental needs without affecting eligibility.
Funding may involve retitling bank and investment accounts, designating the trust as a beneficiary of life insurance or retirement accounts, or arranging transfers of property. Each funding method has implications for taxes and benefit eligibility, so we provide step-by-step assistance and communication templates for financial institutions. Completing funding promptly after execution reduces the risk that assets will remain in the estate and inadvertently affect eligibility or be distributed contrary to the family’s intentions.
Once the trust is funded, we provide trustees with practical guidance for administration, including recommended recordkeeping practices, suggested distribution procedures for common needs, and how to work with case managers and providers. Ongoing questions about investments, permissible uses, or interactions with benefit agencies often arise, and we remain available to advise. Periodic reviews are recommended to ensure the trust continues to meet the beneficiary’s changing needs and remains consistent with current benefit rules.
A first-party trust holds assets that belong to the beneficiary and is often funded by the beneficiary’s own resources, such as an inheritance or settlement. These trusts commonly include a requirement to reimburse the state for public benefits received after the beneficiary’s death. The payback ensures that Medicaid or other programs are repaid to the extent permitted by law. First-party trusts are often established by a parent, guardian, or court for beneficiaries who need protection while maintaining eligibility for benefits. A third-party trust is funded by someone other than the beneficiary, such as a parent or other family member, and usually does not include a payback requirement to the state. These trusts are commonly used to leave assets for a beneficiary at the death of the grantor while preserving the beneficiary’s eligibility for public benefits. Deciding between these options involves considering the source of funds, family goals for residual distributions, and the beneficiary’s current and expected needs.
A properly drafted and administered special needs trust generally preserves Medi-Cal and Supplemental Security Income eligibility by keeping countable assets out of the beneficiary’s hands and using trust funds for allowable supplemental needs. The trust must be drafted to comply with federal and state rules, and trustees must make distributions in ways that do not count as income or resources that could reduce benefits. Recordkeeping and documentation of distributions are important in showing agencies that eligibility has been maintained. However, not all trusts are treated the same, and improper funding or distributions can risk eligibility. For example, direct cash distributions to the beneficiary may be considered countable resources. It is also important to coordinate trust funding with beneficiary designations and account titling. Regular reviews help ensure continued compliance as rules change or as the beneficiary’s situation evolves.
Naming a family member as trustee is common and can be appropriate when the person is trustworthy, organized, and willing to handle financial matters and coordination with care providers. Trustee duties include managing investments prudently, making discretionary distributions in line with the trust’s terms, maintaining detailed records, and communicating with caregivers and service providers. Trustees also may need to handle tax filings and report to agencies if required, so it helps to choose someone comfortable with these administrative responsibilities. Family trustees should be prepared to follow the trust’s written guidance and to seek professional assistance when complex issues arise. Many families name a primary family trustee with a professional or nonprofit successor to step in if needed, or they include co-trustee arrangements to balance familiarity with administrative competence. Clear instructions in the trust can reduce friction and provide trustees with a practical framework for decision making.
A pooled special needs trust is managed by a nonprofit that combines resources from multiple beneficiaries for investment and administrative efficiency while maintaining separate subaccounts for each beneficiary’s distributions. These trusts can be a good option when a private trust would be too costly or when families prefer nonprofit administration. Pooled trusts usually have experienced administrators who handle reporting, distributions, and coordination with benefit agencies on behalf of beneficiaries and families. Pooled trusts may be especially useful for smaller dollar amounts or for beneficiaries who receive first-party funds and need the convenience of nonprofit management. Each pool has its own rules regarding payback provisions, administrative fees, and eligibility, so it is important to review the nonprofit’s terms and how they align with the family’s goals before selecting a pooled trust.
Whether a payback provision applies depends on the trust type and the source of funds. First-party special needs trusts and certain pooled trusts funded with the beneficiary’s own assets typically include a payback requirement to reimburse the state for benefits paid on behalf of the beneficiary. The payback is limited to amounts paid by public programs and is handled according to statutory rules and the trust’s provisions. Families should understand how payback works because it affects residual distributions to heirs or charities after the beneficiary’s death. Third-party trusts, funded by parents or other family members, usually do not require payback to the state and may allow remaining assets to pass according to the grantor’s wishes. Drafting choices and funding approaches determine whether payback applies, so discussing intended beneficiaries and residual distribution plans during drafting is essential to align the trust with family goals.
After a trust is created and executed, it is funded through various methods such as retitling bank and investment accounts in the name of the trust, naming the trust as a beneficiary of life insurance policies, and arranging assignments of retirement benefits when appropriate. Funding may also come from a pour-over will at death, where assets pass to the trust through probate if not funded during life. Prompt funding reduces the chance that assets will remain outside the trust and potentially disrupt benefits or estate plans. Families should coordinate with financial institutions and benefit administrators to complete funding steps correctly. Some assets, such as retirement accounts, require careful planning because distributions can have tax consequences and affect benefits. Our office assists with the paperwork and communication required to transfer or designate assets to the trust in ways that support the overall plan while avoiding unintended consequences.
What happens to trust assets after the beneficiary’s death depends on the trust type and its provisions. First-party trusts often contain a payback clause that requires remaining funds to reimburse the state for public benefits provided to the beneficiary, with any remainder distributed according to the trust’s terms. Third-party trusts usually allow remaining assets to pass to named family members, charities, or other beneficiaries chosen by the grantor, offering greater flexibility in legacy planning. It is important to draft residual distribution language clearly so that funds go where the family intends. Including contingent beneficiaries and specifying whether distributions should be outright or held in other trusts helps avoid ambiguity. Planning for residual assets should reflect both the family’s wishes and any legal requirements tied to the trust’s funding source.
Special needs trusts should be reviewed periodically and after major life events such as a change in the beneficiary’s condition, the arrival of an inheritance, or the death or incapacity of a trustee. Laws governing public benefits and tax rules can change, and periodic review ensures trust language and administration remain effective. Reviews also provide an opportunity to update trustee appointments, refine distribution standards, and address any new sources of funding or changes in caregiving arrangements. We recommend scheduling a review at least every few years or whenever circumstances change significantly. Regular check-ins help families stay proactive, keep records current, and make incremental adjustments as needed so the trust continues to meet the beneficiary’s needs and preserve access to public supports.
A properly structured trust can reduce the risk of financial abuse by establishing clear distribution procedures, naming trusted trustees, and limiting direct access to funds by the beneficiary. Trustee duties include maintaining records and making distributions consistent with the trust’s purpose, which creates transparency and accountability. When combined with good trustee selection and oversight mechanisms, a trust can serve as a safeguard that prevents well-meaning but imprudent spending and reduces opportunities for exploitation. However, no legal instrument can eliminate all risk. Families should consider complementary safeguards such as periodic independent accounting, successor trustees, and involvement of financial professionals when appropriate. Open communication and documentation help ensure that trustee decisions are defensible and that funds are used to benefit the beneficiary in accordance with the trust’s objectives.
To begin setting up a special needs trust in Santa Clara, gather relevant information such as benefit award letters, documents evidencing assets, medical summaries, and contact details for caregivers and case managers. Calling our office at 408-528-2827 starts the process; we will schedule an initial consultation to review the situation, explain options, and outline a plan for drafting and funding the trust. This early meeting helps identify the most appropriate trust type and any immediate steps needed to protect benefits. After the consultation, we provide a written engagement letter and a checklist for necessary documents and funding actions. We then prepare the trust and related estate documents, assist with execution and funding, and provide trustees with practical guidance for administration. This step-by-step approach helps families move forward with confidence and clarity while preserving important public supports.
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