A special needs trust helps families preserve public benefits while providing supplemental care for a loved one with disabilities. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, we focus on creating trust arrangements that protect assets intended for long term comfort, medical support, education, and quality of life without jeopardizing Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security Income eligibility. This page explains the types of special needs trusts that can be drafted, how they interact with public benefits, and the practical steps families often take. Our goal is to provide clear, practical information so you can make informed decisions for your family in Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz County.
Many families find the legal landscape around disability benefits and asset protection confusing and stressful. A properly drafted special needs trust can reduce that stress by ensuring that a beneficiary receives funds for items and services beyond basic public benefits. This guide covers common trust structures such as third party trusts, first party trusts, and pooled trusts, and explains how they are used in conjunction with other estate planning documents like wills and powers of attorney. You will also find guidance on trustee selection, funding options, and ongoing administration so you can plan with confidence for a loved one in Scotts Valley.
Special needs trusts offer tangible benefits by preserving eligibility for means tested programs while allowing supplemental support from family resources. They allow funds to be used for therapy, transportation, education, customized therapies, recreation, and items that enhance daily living without being counted as disqualifying income or resources. For families in Scott s Valley and throughout Santa Cruz County, a trust provides structure, predicts future care needs, and limits the possibility of losing public assistance. Thoughtful drafting also protects funds from misuse and provides clear direction to trustees who will manage distributions in the beneficiary s best interest over time.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides estate planning services tailored to families with special needs members, focusing on practical solutions to preserve benefits and deliver supplemental support. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, careful drafting, and ongoing client support through funding and administration phases. We work with clients across Santa Cruz County and the surrounding region to craft trusts that reflect family values and priorities while complying with state and federal rules. Our goal is to give families peace of mind by establishing durable legal structures that respond to changing circumstances and needs over time.
A special needs trust is a legal arrangement designed to hold assets for the benefit of a person with disabilities without disqualifying them from government benefits. Trusts can be funded by parents, relatives, or the beneficiary themselves and can take several forms depending on funding source and objectives. Important considerations include the trustee s authority to make discretionary distributions, the prohibition on making certain direct cash payments that would affect benefits, and the trust language required to meet federal and state standards. Understanding these mechanics helps families choose the right trust type and funding strategy for long term care goals.
Selecting the right trustee, drafting clear distribution standards, and planning for future changes are central to effective trust management. Trustees must balance the beneficiary s needs with the requirements of Medi-Cal and SSI, making thoughtful decisions about housing, medical equipment, therapies, and enrichment activities. Funding options include outright gifts, beneficiary inheritance through a pour over will, life insurance proceeds, or retirement plan designated arrangements. Careful coordination with the rest of the estate plan, including healthcare directives and powers of attorney, ensures that the beneficiary s needs will be addressed consistently over their lifetime.
A special needs trust is a legal vehicle that holds assets for a person with disabilities while aiming to preserve eligibility for public benefits. It is used when families want to supplement — but not replace — public programs, by providing for items and services that government programs do not cover. There are distinct categories, including third party special needs trusts funded by relatives, first party trusts funded by the beneficiary s own assets, and pooled trusts administered by nonprofit organizations. Each type has particular rules about payback to the state and allowable distributions, so the choice depends on financial circumstances and long term objectives.
Effective special needs trust planning requires precise drafting of distribution standards, identification of a reliable trustee, and a plan for funding and ongoing administration. Distribution standards should be specific enough to guide the trustee yet flexible enough to adapt to changing needs. Trustees must maintain accurate records, coordinate with public benefits offices, and execute distributions that enhance quality of life without causing loss of benefits. Additionally, funding through estate planning documents, beneficiary designated assets, or insurance proceeds should be carefully coordinated to avoid unintended consequences and ensure the trust can support the beneficiary for the long term.
This glossary provides brief, practical definitions of terms you will encounter during special needs trust planning. Understanding these terms helps families make informed decisions about trustee responsibilities, funding strategies, payback provisions, and interactions with public benefits. Familiarity with common items such as pooled trusts, payback clauses, and third party arrangements will make consultations with a trust professional more productive and allow families to set realistic expectations for how assets will be managed and used to support a loved one with disabilities over time.
A third party special needs trust is established and funded by someone other than the beneficiary, commonly parents or relatives, to provide supplemental support without affecting public benefits. Assets held in this trust are not subject to payback to the state after the beneficiary s death, so the remaining balance can be distributed to family members or charities according to the trust terms. These trusts are often used as part of an overall estate plan to ensure that a loved one with disabilities receives lifelong support for comfort, enrichment, and care beyond what public programs provide.
A pooled trust is managed by a nonprofit organization that maintains individual subaccounts for beneficiaries. These trusts allow individuals with limited assets to benefit from professional management and shared administrative economies. Funds in the pooled trust can be used for supplemental needs while preserving eligibility for public assistance, and any remaining funds after the beneficiary s death may be used by the nonprofit or used to reimburse the state where required. Pooled trusts are often a practical option when individualized private trusts are not economically feasible or when a family prefers nonprofit administration.
A first party special needs trust is funded with assets belonging to the person with disabilities, such as an inheritance or settlement proceeds. Federal rules permit such trusts under certain conditions, and they frequently include a payback provision that requires remaining funds after the beneficiary s death to reimburse the state for benefits provided. These trusts allow individuals to receive lump sums without losing access to means tested benefits, but they must be carefully drafted and administered to comply with Medi-Cal and SSI rules and to protect the beneficiary s long term needs.
A payback provision requires that after the beneficiary s death, any remaining assets in a first party special needs trust be used to reimburse the state for medical benefits paid on the beneficiary s behalf. The specific rules depend on whether the trust is first party or third party and on state law. Understanding payback obligations is essential when choosing how to fund a trust because they affect the distribution of remaining assets and the long term financial legacy for other family members or causes.
Families should weigh the advantages and trade offs among third party trusts, first party trusts, pooled trusts, and relying solely on public benefits. Third party trusts often provide the greatest flexibility for legacy planning without payback obligations, while first party trusts protect a beneficiary s benefits when funds originate from the beneficiary. Pooled trusts reduce administrative burdens but may impose nonprofit use of residual funds. Aligning the chosen option with family goals, available assets, and the beneficiary s long term care needs helps ensure that planning decisions support financial sustainability and quality of life.
A more limited planning approach can be appropriate when available assets are modest and the immediate objective is to preserve benefits while providing modest supplemental support. In such situations, a pooled trust or a narrowly crafted first party trust may be the most practical route. These options can deliver meaningful short term support and simplify administration without the cost and complexity of a fully individualized trust structure. The decision should factor in likely future needs, funding sources, and the administrative capacity of the chosen trustee or nonprofit.
When funds are intended for short term or transitional needs, such as a one time payment from an insurance settlement or an inheritance that must be managed temporarily, a limited approach may be sufficient. In those circumstances, establishing a temporary funding arrangement or placing funds in a pooled trust can preserve public benefits while addressing immediate requirements. The planning should include a clear sunset or review process so that the arrangement can be updated if the beneficiary s needs change or if more assets become available in the future.
A comprehensive planning approach is often needed when families anticipate multiple funding sources, such as life insurance proceeds, retirement accounts, and inheritances, or when the beneficiary s needs will persist over a lifetime. Integrating these sources through a thoughtfully drafted trust and coordinating beneficiary designations ensures that funds flow into the trust in the most efficient and benefits preserving manner. This broader planning also considers successor trustee selection, contingencies, and long term administration so that the beneficiary s support is reliable and sustainable over many years.
When family dynamics, blended family situations, or legacy goals complicate planning choices, a comprehensive strategy helps align intentions with legal realities. Detailed plans can address who will receive residual assets, how distributions to the beneficiary will be managed, and how to protect assets from creditors while respecting family wishes. Comprehensive plans also include powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and pour over wills so that all components work together to protect the beneficiary and preserve family harmony over the long run.
A coordinated planning strategy reduces uncertainty and minimizes the risk that an inheritance or settlement will unintentionally disqualify a loved one from public benefits. It clarifies who will manage funds, how distributions will be made, and how to handle healthcare and financial decisions if a family member cannot act. Comprehensive planning also creates a roadmap for successor trustees and provides for continuity of care through documents such as powers of attorney and directives. The result is a durable plan that better protects both resources and the beneficiary s quality of life.
Beyond protection of benefits, comprehensive planning offers peace of mind by ensuring that assets are allocated according to family priorities and that contingency plans are in place. It can reduce the potential for disputes by documenting intentions and providing clear instructions for trustees and caregivers. Families who plan holistically are often better positioned to handle changes in the beneficiary s condition, shifting care needs, or evolving financial circumstances, because their legal documents anticipate those possibilities and provide mechanisms to respond effectively.
A primary advantage of a comprehensive special needs plan is the ability to preserve eligibility for public assistance while providing funds for goods and services that improve the beneficiary s daily life. The trust can provide for therapies, adaptive equipment, household furnishings adapted to needs, transportation, and educational activities that public programs do not cover. By clearly specifying permissible uses and maintaining careful administration, the trust amplifies resources in ways that are meaningful and sustainable, helping the beneficiary participate more fully in community life.
Comprehensive plans provide clarity about who is responsible for making decisions, how funds should be used, and how to respond to future changes in health and finances. This stability reduces stress for family caregivers and reduces the risk of mismanagement or disputes among relatives. By coordinating powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and trust documents, families create a cohesive framework that supports consistent caregiving and long term financial stewardship, ensuring that the beneficiary s needs remain central to every decision.
Selecting a trustee is one of the most important decisions in trust planning because that person or entity will manage assets and make distribution decisions. Look for someone who can keep detailed records, communicate effectively with government agencies, and make compassionate, objective decisions on behalf of the beneficiary. Consider naming a professional trustee if family dynamics are complex or if long term management will require specialized administrative work. Including successor trustees in the trust document helps ensure continuity if your primary choice cannot serve in the future.
Life changes such as moving, changes in public benefit rules, or shifts in the beneficiary s condition make it important to review trust documents regularly. Periodic reviews help ensure distribution standards remain appropriate and that funding sources are still aligned with planning goals. Revisions may be necessary to reflect new laws, updated family wishes, or changes in available resources. Scheduling regular reviews and keeping clear records with the trustee will help maintain the trust s effectiveness and adapt the plan to evolving needs over time.
Families commonly establish special needs trusts to protect eligibility for Medi-Cal and Supplemental Security Income while providing supplemental support tailored to a beneficiary s unique needs. Trusts can ensure funds are used for therapies, education, equipment, and lifestyle items that public benefits do not cover. They also provide legal clarity for trustees and reduce the likelihood of disputes among family members by documenting intent. Planning in advance allows families to direct resources thoughtfully and avoid last minute decisions that could jeopardize a loved one s benefits or financial security.
Other compelling reasons include protecting assets from creditors, ensuring oversight of long term financial support, and creating a formal mechanism for distributing legacy funds without disrupting benefits. Trusts can be designed to respond to changing medical or living arrangements and can incorporate instructions for housing, travel, and educational pursuits. Families who anticipate future inheritances, settlements, or life insurance proceeds will find that a trust helps coordinate those resources to provide sustained support in a way that aligns with the family s priorities and the beneficiary s wellbeing.
Common circumstances include receiving an inheritance, settlement, or insurance proceeds for an individual who receives means tested benefits, or anticipating assets that could disqualify a loved one from vital public programs. Other situations include planning for long term care costs, coordinating multiple funding sources, or protecting assets in blended family situations where beneficiaries have differing needs. In each case, creating an appropriate trust can help maintain benefits, ensure funds are used as intended, and provide a clear plan for future trustees and caregivers.
When a beneficiary who receives means tested benefits becomes entitled to an inheritance or settlement, placing those funds into an appropriate trust can prevent loss of benefits. The trust preserves access to Medi-Cal and SSI by ensuring that the assets are not treated as countable resources. Timely planning ensures that funds are used for enriching the beneficiary s life and that payback or other state rules are properly addressed in the trust document. Legal guidance at the time of receipt helps avoid mistakes that could have long term consequences.
Families often use a trust to plan for anticipated medical care, therapies, or housing supports that public programs may not fully cover. A trust creates a flexible funding source that can respond to evolving needs, enabling purchases of assistive devices, modifications to living space, or therapies that improve daily functioning. By maintaining benefits eligibility while providing supplemental funding, a trust helps ensure the beneficiary receives both essential services and enhanced supports that improve quality of life over time.
When funds are expected from life insurance, retirement accounts, or multiple family members, a trust serves as a central management vehicle to coordinate those resources for the beneficiary s long term benefit. Proper coordination prevents unintended disqualification from public programs and provides a structured approach to distributions. A trust can also set priorities for spending, protect assets from creditors, and document the family s intentions so that trustees and caregivers understand how to allocate funds consistent with the beneficiary s needs and family values.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides local assistance to families in Scotts Valley and the surrounding Santa Cruz County communities seeking to establish or update a special needs trust. We offer guidance on structuring trusts, coordinating beneficiary designations, and reviewing funding strategies to protect public benefits while enhancing quality of life. Our firm helps clients navigate Medi-Cal and SSI considerations, select trustees, and prepare complementary estate planning documents such as powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives that work in concert with the trust to ensure comprehensive protection.
Clients come to our office because we provide clear, practical planning tailored to the needs of families with a loved one who has disabilities. We focus on drafting trust documents that are compliant with federal and California rules while reflecting each family s goals for care and legacy. Our process emphasizes careful funding strategies, trustee guidance, and ongoing support to ensure the plan remains effective. We also coordinate with financial advisors and care managers when needed to create a unified approach to the beneficiary s care and finances.
We work with families to identify appropriate funding sources and to ensure that beneficiary designations and wills align with trust objectives. This includes reviewing insurance, retirement accounts, and potential inheritances to determine the most efficient way to funnel assets into a trust without disrupting benefits. Our firm also prepares related documents such as advance healthcare directives, guardianship nominations, and powers of attorney so that every aspect of the beneficiary s care and finances is covered through a cohesive plan.
Beyond document drafting, we help families understand the practical aspects of trust administration, including trustee duties, record keeping, and coordinating with government agencies. We assist families during funding, explain how distributions should be made, and help set up systems for transparent administration. These services aim to reduce the administrative burden on families and provide a framework so trustees can make consistent, benefits preserving decisions that enhance the beneficiary s wellbeing over time.
Our process begins with a detailed intake to understand the beneficiary s needs, family goals, and available assets. We review potential funding sources and benefits status and discuss trustee preferences and distribution priorities. After developing a recommended plan, we draft trust documents and coordinate any related estate planning papers such as powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives. Once documents are signed, we advise on funding strategies and provide instructions to trustees for record keeping and benefits coordination so the plan functions as intended for the long term.
The initial consultation gathers facts about the beneficiary s health, current benefits, family resources, and long term goals. We ask about expected inheritances, settlements, or insurance proceeds and review how those sources should be directed to preserve benefits. The intake also identifies potential trustee candidates and discusses distribution priorities such as housing, education, or therapies. This assessment forms the basis for a tailored planning recommendation and allows us to identify any immediate actions needed to protect eligibility or secure assets for the trust.
Collecting complete financial information and documentation of current public benefits is essential. We review bank accounts, retirement designations, insurance policies, property records, and any pending settlements. Understanding the current benefits status, including Medi-Cal and SSI eligibility rules that apply, helps determine whether urgent steps are necessary to protect access to services. This step ensures the planning recommendations will work within the regulatory framework that governs means tested programs and helps avoid unintended disruptions to benefits.
We discuss the family s long term vision for the beneficiary and identify who the family prefers to name as trustee. Topics include what the family wants the trust to pay for, who will act as successor trustee if needed, and how decisions should be documented. This conversation also addresses whether a pooled trust or third party trust better matches the family s resources and whether additional estate planning documents are required. Establishing clear goals at the outset helps guide the drafting process effectively.
During drafting, we prepare the trust instrument with precise distribution standards and incorporate any required payback language where applicable. We draft complementary documents such as a pour over will, powers of attorney, and an advance health care directive to ensure integrated protection. Attention to detail minimizes the risk of misinterpretation by trustees and government agencies. We provide clients with draft documents for review, explain key provisions, and make adjustments so the final plan accurately reflects family objectives while complying with relevant rules.
Distribution standards should provide guidance while allowing trustees flexibility to respond to changing needs. We draft language that identifies permissible categories of expenditure, including therapies, adaptive equipment, education, transportation, and social enrichment, and we clarify limits on direct cash payments that could affect benefits. Clear standards reduce confusion for trustees and help demonstrate that the trust is meant to supplement rather than replace public benefits, which is essential for maintaining eligibility under federal and state programs.
Complementary documents ensure the trust receives intended assets and that decisions about health and finances are coordinated. A pour over will directs probate assets into the trust, while powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives provide authority for financial and medical decisions if a family member cannot act. Including guardianship nominations where appropriate helps plan for care of minor or incapacitated beneficiaries. Together these documents form a cohesive plan that anticipates contingencies and protects the beneficiary s long term interests.
After signing, we assist clients in funding the trust by retitling assets, updating beneficiary designations, and coordinating transfers from life insurance or retirement accounts where appropriate. Proper funding is essential to the trust s effectiveness because unsigned or unfunded documents do not provide protection. We also provide trustees with guidance on administration, record keeping, and making benefits preserving distributions. Periodic reviews are recommended to ensure the trust continues to meet the beneficiary s needs and complies with any legal or regulatory changes.
Funding often involves retitling bank accounts and deeds, naming the trust as beneficiary of life insurance or aligning retirement plan designations, and ensuring that assets pass according to the overall plan. We provide step by step instructions and work with financial institutions when needed to complete transfers correctly. Properly documenting these moves and keeping copies in the trust records supports trustee administration and helps prevent disputes or delays in accessing funds when the beneficiary needs them.
Trustees benefit from practical guidance on record keeping, making distributions that preserve benefits, and interacting with government agencies. We offer templates and checklists for maintaining accurate records and preparing for audits or eligibility reviews. Periodic reviews of the trust and related estate planning documents help identify any necessary changes as the beneficiary s circumstances or the law evolve. These ongoing support measures aim to keep the trust functioning smoothly and to protect the beneficiary s access to both public benefits and supplemental resources.
A special needs trust is a legal arrangement that holds assets for a person with disabilities while aiming to preserve eligibility for means tested public benefits. The trust is structured so that distributions are made for supplemental items and services that public programs do not cover, such as therapies, education, transportation, and equipment, rather than direct cash that would be counted as income or assets. Proper drafting and administration are essential to maintain the beneficiary s qualifying status for programs like Medi-Cal and SSI. Careful language and trustee practices keep the trust aligned with regulatory requirements. Trusts can be tailored to fit the family s goals and funded in different ways depending on the source of funds. Working with a legal advisor helps ensure the trust meets both federal and state rules, and that trustee responsibilities are clear. The process includes identifying funding sources, naming appropriate trustees, and preparing complementary estate planning documents so that the trust functions as a durable support vehicle throughout the beneficiary s lifetime.
First party, third party, and pooled trusts differ primarily in who provides the funds and how residual assets are handled. A third party trust is funded by relatives or others and generally does not require payback to the state after the beneficiary s death, allowing remaining funds to pass to heirs or charities. A first party trust uses the beneficiary s own funds and often includes a payback provision to reimburse the state for benefits provided. A pooled trust is managed by a nonprofit and pools resources for administrative efficiency while maintaining individual subaccounts for beneficiaries. The right choice depends on the origin of funds, family goals for residual assets, and cost considerations. Third party trusts are often used in legacy planning, first party trusts protect benefits when a beneficiary receives funds directly, and pooled trusts offer a practical alternative when private trusts are not feasible. Legal counsel can review the specifics and recommend the best structure for your situation while ensuring compliance with benefit rules.
A trustee is responsible for managing trust assets, making distributions in accordance with the trust terms, keeping detailed records, and coordinating with public benefits offices as needed. Selecting a trustee who can balance compassionate decision making with careful administration is important. Families often name a trusted relative as trustee and consider naming a professional or corporate trustee as a co trustee or successor to provide administrative stability if circumstances change. Trustee responsibilities also include tax reporting, investment oversight, and communication with caregivers and service providers. Clear trust language that outlines distribution standards and trustee powers helps guide decision making and reduces uncertainty. Trustees should be prepared to document distributions and retain records to demonstrate that the trust has been administered in a manner that preserves the beneficiary s eligibility for public benefits.
Special needs trusts can be funded through direct gifts, inheritances, life insurance proceeds, retirement account designations, settlements, or a pour over will that transfers probate assets into the trust. Each funding source has its own rules and tax considerations. If a trust remains unfunded, it cannot protect assets because the legal protections apply only to assets actually held in the trust. For this reason, funding is a critical step that requires careful coordination of beneficiary designations and estate documents. Professionals can help families update designations and retitle assets into the trust to ensure the plan operates as intended. Timing matters, particularly when benefits eligibility could be affected, so families should act promptly to fund the trust in accordance with the plan. Periodic reviews ensure that new assets are properly channeled to the trust and that beneficiary designations remain aligned with the overall estate plan.
A properly drafted and administered special needs trust should preserve eligibility for Medi-Cal and Supplemental Security Income by keeping trust resources separate from the beneficiary s countable assets. The trust must direct distributions for supplemental needs rather than basic support covered by these programs. Trustee practices are important because improper distributions or direct cash payments to the beneficiary can jeopardize benefits. Coordination with benefits agencies and clear documentation of expenditures helps avoid disruptions in services. Different trust types have different rules, and timing and funding sources matter. For example, first party trusts often include payback provisions, while third party trusts do not. Legal drafting must comply with both federal and California requirements to maintain eligibility, and ongoing administration should be conducted with the goal of preserving the beneficiary s access to public programs while addressing supplemental needs.
A payback provision requires that remaining funds in certain types of trusts be used to reimburse the state for public benefits provided to the beneficiary during their lifetime. This provision commonly applies to first party special needs trusts that are funded with the beneficiary s own assets. The payback obligation is designed to ensure that the state recovers costs for benefits like Medi-Cal before any residual assets are distributed to heirs or other beneficiaries. Families should understand how payback rules affect legacy planning because they can limit the ability to leave remaining trust assets to family members. When preserving a legacy for heirs is a priority, a third party trust funded by relatives may be a better option. Legal counsel can explain the implications of payback clauses and help structure plans that align with family objectives and regulatory requirements.
Naming a special needs trust as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy is a common and effective strategy to ensure that proceeds are used to benefit a loved one without disrupting public benefits. When the trust is correctly drafted and named, insurance proceeds can provide a significant, benefits preserving source of long term support. It is important to coordinate beneficiary designations with the trust terms and to confirm that the trust meets the requirements for receiving such proceeds without negative consequences for eligibility. Reviewing and updating beneficiary designations periodically is essential to ensure they remain effective. Insurance carriers and retirement plan administrators require precise naming conventions, and legal counsel can help draft the trust language and coordinate with providers so that proceeds transfer cleanly into the trust and are administered in a manner that preserves the beneficiary s public benefits.
Trusts and related estate planning documents should be reviewed regularly, particularly after major life events such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces, changes in health, or significant financial changes. Periodic review helps ensure distribution standards remain relevant, beneficiary designations remain accurate, and trustees remain appropriate. Changes in state or federal law that affect public benefits or trust administration also make reviews important to maintain compliance and preserve protections for the beneficiary. A regular review schedule, such as every few years or after significant life changes, helps families adapt the plan as needed. During reviews, funding gaps can be addressed, trustee arrangements reconsidered, and any required legal updates implemented so the trust continues to operate effectively and in alignment with the family s goals for the beneficiary.
What happens to trust assets after a beneficiary dies depends on the trust type and its terms. In third party trusts, remaining assets are typically distributed to named remainder beneficiaries such as family members, charities, or other designated parties. In first party trusts, state payback rules may require that remaining funds reimburse the state for benefits provided, and then any leftover amount is distributed according to the trust terms. Pooled trust residuals may remain with the nonprofit or be used according to its policies. Families should carefully consider remainder beneficiaries and payback implications when selecting the trust type. Drafting clear instructions in the trust document ensures that remaining assets are handled according to the family s wishes while complying with legal obligations. Legal guidance helps identify the most appropriate arrangement based on funding sources and legacy goals.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman assists families with designing and implementing special needs trusts tailored to their circumstances. Services include assessing benefit eligibility implications, drafting trust documents with appropriate distribution standards and payback language where required, coordinating funding strategies, and preparing complementary estate planning papers. We also advise trustees on administration, record keeping, and making distributions that preserve benefits while enhancing the beneficiary s quality of life. In addition, we help families update beneficiary designations and retitle assets into the trust to ensure proper funding. Our goal is to provide practical, clear guidance so families can protect access to public programs and create lasting supplemental support for their loved ones. We serve clients in Scotts Valley and throughout Santa Cruz County and can be reached at 408-528-2827 to schedule a consultation.
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