Planning for the long-term care and financial wellbeing of a loved one with disabilities is a thoughtful and detailed process. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, we help families in Penngrove and Sonoma County understand how a special needs trust can preserve public benefits while providing supplemental support. This guide explains key concepts, common situations that lead families to consider a trust, and how trust arrangements interact with Medicaid, SSI, and other programs. Our goal is to make the planning process approachable and practical so families feel confident about protecting their loved one’s future.
A special needs trust can be an essential tool for managing resources for an individual with disabilities without jeopardizing eligibility for means-tested government programs. This overview introduces the types of trusts commonly used, the roles of trustees and beneficiaries, and basic drafting considerations. We will also cover related documents often included in an estate plan, such as powers of attorney and health care directives. Whether you are beginning planning or reviewing an existing plan, understanding these foundations helps you make informed decisions that benefit the individual and the family.
A properly drafted special needs trust helps balance immediate quality-of-life needs with long-term eligibility for public benefits. It allows funds to be used for housing, therapies, education, transportation, and other enhancements that government programs may not fully cover. The trust can protect assets from being spent down in ways that could jeopardize benefits, preserve family resources, and provide a clear plan for long-term care. For families concerned about ensuring financial stability and flexibility, the trust offers a controlled, compassionate way to support a loved one’s needs while maintaining essential safety-net benefits.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves clients across Sonoma County and neighboring communities with a focus on estate planning tailored to individual needs. Our attorneys work closely with families to craft trusts, wills, and related documents that reflect personal priorities and legal requirements in California. We emphasize clear communication, practical problem solving, and plans that address both current needs and future circumstances. Clients benefit from a steady process that includes careful drafting, selection of appropriate trustees, and coordination with financial and care providers to help ensure a durable plan is in place.
Special needs trusts are legal arrangements designed to hold assets for a person with disabilities while preserving eligibility for public programs such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. The trust can be funded by family members, third parties, or, in some cases, by the individual’s own resources when rules are satisfied. Trustees manage distributions for supplemental items and services that improve the beneficiary’s quality of life without replacing basic needs covered by public benefits. Understanding grantor options, trustee duties, and distribution priorities helps families choose the form of trust that best fits their circumstances.
Different types of special needs trusts exist to address varying funding sources and legal constraints, including third-party trusts and first-party trusts created for individuals who receive a settlement or inheritance. Each type has distinct rules about payback provisions, permissible distributions, and interactions with government programs. A thoughtful approach considers the beneficiary’s current and anticipated needs, potential government benefits, and the long-term management of assets. Regular review and potential adjustments are important to respond to changes in law, family circumstances, and the beneficiary’s needs.
A special needs trust is a legal tool that holds assets for a person with disabilities while allowing them to keep eligibility for means-tested benefits. The trust’s trustee has authority to use funds to supplement the beneficiary’s needs in ways that government programs do not cover, such as recreation, counseling, personal items, and other enhancements to quality of life. The trust must be carefully drafted to comply with federal and state rules. By separating supplementary resources from those counted as personal assets, the trust provides both flexibility and protection for the beneficiary’s financial future.
Key elements of a special needs trust include the beneficiary designation, the trustee’s powers and responsibilities, the trust funding source, and distribution standards. The trustee must follow governing legal limits while making discretionary decisions that benefit the beneficiary. Processes involve drafting the trust document, funding it with proper assets, coordinating with benefit programs, and keeping records of distributions. Careful selection of trustees, clear distribution guidelines, and periodic reviews are components that support the trust’s intended purpose and help avoid unintended impacts on public benefits.
Understanding common terms helps families navigate trust planning with confidence. This section defines frequently used concepts such as trustee, beneficiary, payback requirement, pooled trust, and supplemental distributions. Clarity about these phrases prevents misunderstandings and supports informed decisions when drafting documents or choosing service providers. Families should also learn about how trusts interact with benefits like Medicaid and SSI, what constitutes countable resources, and the role of related estate planning documents. Clear definitions make the planning process more transparent and manageable.
The trustee is the person or entity responsible for managing the trust assets, making distributions for the beneficiary’s supplemental needs, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Trustees must act in the beneficiary’s best interests, maintain accurate records, and coordinate with benefit programs to avoid jeopardizing eligibility. Choosing a trustee involves considering availability, financial management skills, trustworthiness, and familiarity with public benefits rules. A professional trustee, family member, or corporate trustee may serve, and many families select a combination of co-trustees to share responsibilities and provide checks and balances.
A payback provision requires that upon the beneficiary’s death, the trust reimburse certain public benefit programs for expenses they provided during the beneficiary’s lifetime. This rule primarily applies to first-party trusts funded with the beneficiary’s own assets. The payback amount is typically limited to Medicaid payments made on the beneficiary’s behalf. Proper drafting can clarify how remaining funds are distributed after payback, including directions to family members or charitable remnant beneficiaries when appropriate under the law.
A third-party trust is funded by someone other than the beneficiary, often by a parent, grandparent, or other family member. These trusts do not usually require payback to public benefit programs and can be structured to provide ongoing support while preserving eligibility for government assistance. Third-party trusts are commonly used in estate planning to leave inheritances or settlements for a person with disabilities in a way that supports long-term needs without affecting benefit eligibility. Clear drafting helps ensure distributions align with family intentions.
A pooled trust is managed by a nonprofit organization and pools the resources of many beneficiaries for investment and administrative purposes while maintaining individual subaccounts. These trusts can accept first-party funds and may offer an alternative when direct management by a family member is impractical. Pooled trusts often provide professional oversight, potentially lower administrative costs, and compliance with benefit program rules. Families should review pooled trust terms, fees, and distribution policies to determine whether this arrangement suits the beneficiary’s long-term needs.
When planning for a person with disabilities, families have several legal tools to consider, including special needs trusts, wills with pour-over provisions, beneficiary designations, and guardianship or conservatorship where necessary. Each option has benefits and trade-offs: trusts protect benefits and manage funds, wills direct estate distribution, and powers of attorney address decision-making if incapacity occurs. Evaluating the interaction among these tools in light of public benefits and family goals helps determine a cohesive plan. Coordinating documents reduces the risk of conflicting instructions and unintended consequences.
For families with minimal assets intended for a person with disabilities, a limited planning approach may suffice. When available funds are modest and will not affect eligibility for public benefits, simpler arrangements such as setting aside funds with clear beneficiary instructions, or using direct payments for supplemental needs, might meet short-term goals. It remains important to document intentions and consider a will or beneficiary designation to avoid probate complications. Even when a limited approach is chosen, reviewing options periodically ensures that evolving needs or changes in asset levels do not unintentionally jeopardize benefits.
If government programs are covering the beneficiary’s core needs and family resources are not expected to increase, families may decide a full trust is not immediately necessary. In such cases, focusing on medical directives, powers of attorney, and clear caregiving plans can be practical. However, planning should still account for potential changes such as inheritances, settlements, or other resources that could affect benefits. Periodic review protects against accidental loss of eligibility and ensures that any future assets can be integrated into a broader plan if circumstances change.
A comprehensive plan becomes important when a beneficiary’s financial situation or long-term care needs are complex. When multiple funding sources exist, or when family members want to set terms for future distributions and care, a detailed trust and estate plan coordinates those elements and reduces the risk of unintended outcomes. Comprehensive planning provides mechanisms for trustee oversight, contingency provisions, and instructions for managing benefits. This holistic approach helps ensure continuity of care and financial support across changes in family dynamics, health status, and government program rules.
When a beneficiary stands to receive an inheritance, settlement, or other significant resources, establishing a comprehensive trust plan is often advisable. Without a trust, such receipts can affect eligibility for SSI and Medicaid and may lead to loss of benefits. A well-crafted plan directs how those funds are managed, preserves access to public programs, and outlines long-term distribution goals. Families can structure trusts to provide at-need flexibility while protecting essential benefits, creating a balance between immediate supplemental support and future security.
A comprehensive approach aligns multiple documents and decisions to protect a beneficiary’s financial and health-related needs. By coordinating trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, families create a unified plan that addresses contingencies and reduces ambiguity. This coordination helps prevent disputes, ensures funds are used as intended, and maintains eligibility for public benefits. Additionally, comprehensive plans can include clear guidelines for trustee conduct and mechanisms for oversight, which provides families with peace of mind about long-term stewardship of assets designated for the beneficiary.
Comprehensive planning also facilitates smoother administration during times of transition, for example when a primary caregiver ages or passes away. With clear successor trustee designations, distribution standards, and documented intentions, successor decision-makers can act effectively. The plan can address housing, day-to-day supplemental needs, and legacy provisions, while offering flexibility to adapt to changes in law and personal circumstances. Families benefit from a plan that anticipates foreseeable events, reduces administrative burdens, and focuses resources where they will most directly improve the beneficiary’s quality of life.
One of the primary benefits of a comprehensive special needs plan is protecting access to benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. By placing available resources in the proper trust structure and following distribution guidelines that are compatible with benefits rules, families can avoid unintentional disqualification. Careful drafting and administration of the trust ensure that funds are used for supplemental purposes rather than basic needs covered by programs, preserving both the benefits and the additional quality-of-life support intended by family contributions or inheritances.
A comprehensive plan establishes clear guidance for how assets are managed and distributed over time, which helps avoid family disputes and confusion. Designating trustees, outlining distribution priorities, and setting successor arrangements provides continuity in decision-making. This clarity supports long-term stewardship of assets intended for the beneficiary, ensuring funds are directed to meaningful supplemental needs, supportive services, and planned legacy distributions. Well-structured plans also include review mechanisms so the trust can adapt to changing needs and legal developments.
Begin planning by documenting the beneficiary’s current supports, daily needs, and likely future care requirements. Consider medical, housing, educational, and recreational needs that may enhance quality of life beyond basic benefits. Gather information about current government benefits and eligibility rules to understand constraints and opportunities. Engaging family members and care providers in this assessment helps identify priorities and funding needs. A clear assessment informs the trust structure, funding strategy, and trustee responsibilities, creating a realistic and sustainable plan for supplemental support.
Review the trust and related estate planning documents at regular intervals and after major life events such as changes in health, family circumstances, or receipt of inheritance. Laws governing benefits and trusts can change, and periodic review ensures the plan continues to meet its goals and complies with current rules. Updating contact information, trustee designations, and distribution priorities helps maintain clarity. Regular reviews also provide opportunities to coordinate with financial advisors and care providers so the trust remains practical and effective for the beneficiary’s evolving needs.
Families consider special needs trusts for a variety of reasons, including preserving public benefit eligibility, managing assets for long-term care, and providing discretionary funds for quality-of-life improvements. Trusts offer a structured way to provide housing, therapies, transportation, and recreational activities without displacing benefits that cover basic needs. They also help organize financial decision-making, designate responsible trustees, and provide legal protections that reduce the risk of mismanagement or disputes. Thoughtful planning creates a secure framework for ongoing support tailored to the beneficiary’s needs.
Another strong reason to consider a trust is to set clear expectations among family members about how resources will be used. When inheritances, settlements, or savings exist, trusts prevent resources from unintentionally disqualifying benefits and provide a roadmap for distributions. The trust can include provisions for successor trustees, criteria for discretionary distributions, and directions for remaining assets after the beneficiary’s death. These elements help families transition responsibilities smoothly and preserve funds for meaningful supplemental uses aligned with the beneficiary’s best interests.
Common triggers for creating a special needs trust include inheritances directed to a person with disabilities, personal injury settlements, receipt of significant savings, or the desire to formalize care plans when primary caregivers age. Families also consider trusts when coordinating long-term housing solutions or when multiple siblings wish to contribute funds without affecting benefits. Creating a trust proactively can prevent future complications and ensure that resources are managed according to a thoughtful plan rather than ad hoc decisions made during times of stress.
When a person with disabilities receives an inheritance or settlement, placing those funds into a properly drafted trust can protect eligibility for public benefits while allowing the funds to be used for supplemental needs. The trust serves as a repository that provides direction on permissible distributions, supports ongoing care, and prevents the funds from being treated as countable assets. Families often act quickly after a settlement to ensure funds are placed in the appropriate trust structure and that the terms reflect both immediate and future goals for the beneficiary.
Many families create trusts when planning for the eventual transition of care from a primary caregiver to successors. Trusts can designate trustees, provide funding for housing and support services, and specify distribution priorities to maintain continuity of care. This planning helps reduce confusion and provides successors with legal authority to manage assets according to the settlor’s intentions. Including successor trustee provisions and clear guidance within the trust document ensures that the beneficiary’s needs remain addressed through changes in family structure.
Families often want to ensure that resources are used for meaningful supplemental purposes rather than everyday expenses covered by benefits. A trust allows for controlled discretionary distributions that can pay for therapies, specialized equipment, enrichment activities, and other supports. This control ensures that funds enhance the beneficiary’s life in targeted ways, and trust language can specify priorities and permissible categories of spending. The structure provides accountability and direction while preserving eligibility for government programs that cover basic needs.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides tailored trust and estate planning services to families in Penngrove and throughout Sonoma County. We help clients create special needs trusts, coordinate wills and powers of attorney, and advise on how trusts interact with California benefit programs. Our team focuses on clear communication and practical planning, helping families identify the right trust structure, select trustees, and implement funding strategies. We aim to make the process manageable and forward-looking so that families feel secure about their loved one’s financial and care arrangements.
Selecting a firm to draft a special needs trust involves trust in legal knowledge and practical guidance. Our attorneys take time to understand each family’s situation, discuss goals, and explain how different trust options affect benefits and long-term care. We provide clear written documents and work with financial and care professionals when coordination is helpful. Families receive individualized attention to ensure that the trust’s terms reflect their priorities and provide a durable framework for managing resources on behalf of the beneficiary.
We help clients navigate the legal and administrative steps necessary to establish and fund a trust, including coordinating beneficiary designations, revising estate plans, and advising on settlement placement. The firm can also assist with selecting trustees, preparing ancillary documents like powers of attorney and health care directives, and offering practical guidance for ongoing administration. Our approach emphasizes transparency and responsiveness to client concerns, helping families make informed decisions and put a workable plan in place.
Beyond document drafting, we help families plan for everyday administration challenges by outlining trustee duties, recordkeeping practices, and distribution guidelines that align with benefit rules. We aim to reduce administrative surprises by recommending structure and language that clarify expectations. Our goal is to create plans that are straightforward to implement, minimize conflict, and provide a lasting foundation for the beneficiary’s wellbeing. Families receive support through each stage of planning and implementation to help ensure continuity of care.
Our process begins with an initial consultation to understand the beneficiary’s needs, the family’s goals, and available resources. We gather relevant documents, review benefit eligibility, and discuss trustee options. From there we draft a trust tailored to the family’s circumstances, coordinate funding steps, and prepare related estate documents like wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. After execution, we advise on administration practices and provide guidance for periodic reviews. Our goal is a practical, manageable plan that aligns with legal requirements and family priorities.
In the first stage we conduct a detailed assessment of the beneficiary’s current supports, benefits, financial resources, and family concerns. This includes reviewing medical information, government benefits status, asset summaries, and anticipated future sources of funds such as inheritances or settlements. Gathering this information allows us to identify which type of trust is appropriate and to plan funding strategies that avoid disrupting benefits. Clear documentation at this stage sets the foundation for drafting accurate and effective legal instruments.
During the initial meeting we discuss the family’s goals, the beneficiary’s needs, and any immediate concerns about benefits or funding. We explain trust options, potential implications for public programs, and the role of trustees. This conversation helps clarify priorities such as housing arrangements, desired supplemental supports, and long-term legacy plans. Families leave the consultation with a clear understanding of the planning process, the documents needed, and next steps to create a trust that aligns with their objectives.
We review pertinent documents including benefit award letters, medical records, financial statements, and any prior estate planning instruments. Collecting this evidence ensures decisions are based on accurate information and helps identify potential complications that could affect benefits or funding. This review informs the trust structure, payback considerations, and funding plan. By understanding the full picture early, we can prepare documents that work in practice and coordinate necessary changes to beneficiary designations or account ownership.
After gathering information, we draft the trust document and related estate planning instruments tailored to the family’s needs. Drafting addresses trustee powers, distribution standards, successor arrangements, and payback language if applicable. Once documents are ready, we guide families through funding the trust, which may involve retitling accounts, updating beneficiary designations, or transferring settlement proceeds. Proper funding is essential to achieve the trust’s purpose and maintain benefit eligibility, so we provide step-by-step assistance during implementation.
We prepare a trust document that clearly outlines the trustee’s authority, distribution guidelines, and protections for the beneficiary. We review the draft with the family, explain each provision in plain language, and make adjustments based on feedback. This collaborative review ensures the trust reflects the family’s priorities and avoids ambiguity. Clear instructions for distributions and successor trustee designations help prevent disputes and provide a durable framework for long-term administration of the trust.
Funding the trust often requires coordination with financial institutions, insurance carriers, and the court in certain cases. We provide guidance on transferring accounts, changing titles, and designating the trust as a beneficiary where appropriate. If settlement funds are involved, we assist with the mechanics of placing proceeds into the trust without disrupting benefits. Proper documentation of funding transfers and trustee actions helps preserve the intended protection for benefits and supports transparent administration of the trust assets.
Once the trust is funded and implemented, ongoing administration is necessary to ensure distributions comply with benefit rules and the beneficiary’s needs are met. Trustees must maintain records, make discretionary distributions consistent with trust language, and coordinate with care providers and benefit agencies. Periodic reviews help adapt the plan to changes in the law, the beneficiary’s condition, or family circumstances. We remain available to advise trustees, update documents, and assist with modifications when life events make adjustments appropriate.
Trustees are responsible for managing assets prudently, documenting distributions, and maintaining clear records that demonstrate compliance with trust purposes and benefit program rules. Good recordkeeping supports transparency, protects against disputes, and makes reporting to agencies straightforward when necessary. Trustees should track receipts, disbursements, and investment performance while following the distribution standards outlined in the trust document. Maintaining regular communication with family members and service providers helps ensure that the beneficiary’s needs are met consistently.
Regular reviews of the trust and related estate planning documents are essential to respond to changes in the beneficiary’s life, family circumstances, and regulatory environment. Updates may be needed after changes in medical condition, receipt of new assets, or amendments to benefit program rules. Periodic meetings to reassess distribution priorities and trustee arrangements help maintain the trust’s effectiveness. When modifications are appropriate, we assist with amendments or restatements to preserve the plan’s integrity and continued alignment with the family’s intentions.
A special needs trust is a legal arrangement created to hold and manage assets for a person with disabilities without interfering with eligibility for means-tested public benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. The trust allows a trustee to use funds for supplemental, non-essential needs like therapies, enrichment activities, and equipment that enhance quality of life while leaving basic needs covered by public programs intact. Families, caregivers, or the individual themselves should consider a trust when there are resources to manage or the potential for future inheritances or settlements. Many families consider a special needs trust when they want to provide financial support beyond what government programs offer, when a person receives a settlement or inheritance, or when primary caregivers wish to plan for future transitions. The trust structure protects benefits and provides a clear plan for the management of funds by a designated trustee, reducing the likelihood of disputes and helping ensure consistent support tailored to the beneficiary’s needs.
A properly structured special needs trust can preserve eligibility for Medicaid and SSI by ensuring that funds held in the trust are not counted as the beneficiary’s personal assets. The trust must be drafted and administered in a manner consistent with federal and state rules so that distributions are limited to supplemental items rather than basic needs covered by public benefits. Different types of trusts have specific rules about funding and payback obligations, which influence how they affect benefits. Coordination with benefit agencies and careful administration are essential to maintaining eligibility. Trustees should understand what types of distributions are permissible and maintain documentation that shows funds were used for supplemental purposes. Consulting with counsel familiar with benefits interaction helps families avoid missteps that could lead to temporary or permanent loss of critical benefits.
The main types of special needs trusts include third-party trusts, first-party trusts, and pooled trusts. Third-party trusts are funded by someone other than the beneficiary and usually do not require reimbursement to government programs, making them a common option for legacy planning. First-party trusts are funded with the beneficiary’s own assets and often include a payback provision to reimburse Medicaid for benefits received during the beneficiary’s lifetime. Pooled trusts are managed by nonprofit organizations that maintain individual accounts within a pooled investment structure, offering professional administration and potentially lower costs. The appropriate type depends on the source of funds, the family’s goals, and the need to comply with payback rules. Families should review options carefully to choose the structure that best meets their circumstances.
Funding a special needs trust can be accomplished through various means such as retitling bank or investment accounts, designating the trust as a beneficiary of life insurance or retirement assets when appropriate, or transferring settlement proceeds directly into the trust. For third-party trusts, family members often fund the trust during life or through estate planning documents like wills with pour-over provisions. When funding with a settlement or inheritance, it is important to place the funds into the trust promptly to maintain benefit eligibility. Proper funding steps require coordination with financial institutions and careful documentation of transfers. In some situations, using payable-on-death designations or beneficiary designations that name the trust can be effective. Families should follow clear procedures to avoid accidental distribution to the beneficiary that could affect eligibility for government programs.
A trustee should be someone who is trustworthy, organized, and capable of managing financial matters while understanding the beneficiary’s personal needs. Many families choose a combination of a family member for personal knowledge and a professional fiduciary for administrative consistency. Trustees must adhere to the trust’s distribution standards, keep detailed records, and coordinate with service providers and benefit agencies when necessary. Clear guidance within the trust document helps trustees make discretionary decisions that align with the settlor’s intentions. Trustees are responsible for prudent investment of assets, timely distributions for permitted supplemental needs, and maintaining documentation for auditing or reporting purposes. Succession planning for trustees is also important to ensure continuity. Families should consider trustee availability and willingness to serve over the long term when making their selection.
What happens to a special needs trust after the beneficiary dies depends on the trust’s terms and whether it is a first-party or third-party trust. First-party trusts often include a payback provision to reimburse Medicaid for benefits provided during the beneficiary’s lifetime, with remaining funds distributed according to the trust’s directions. Third-party trusts typically direct remaining assets to other family members or charities as specified by the settlor, since they are not subject to Medicaid payback rules. Trust documents should clearly specify remnant beneficiaries, payback obligations, and distribution priorities. This clarity avoids potential disputes and ensures that remaining assets are allocated as intended. Families should review these provisions periodically to confirm they still reflect current wishes and legal considerations.
A special needs trust can sometimes be changed or amended depending on whether it is revocable or irrevocable and the terms set by the settlor. Third-party trusts are often created as revocable during the settlor’s lifetime and become irrevocable at death, allowing changes while the settlor is alive. First-party trusts created for the benefit of the disabled individual are frequently irrevocable and subject to specific statutory requirements, which can limit modification options without court approval. When changes are needed due to life events, shifting needs, or legal developments, families should review options with counsel who can advise on amendment procedures, potential tax implications, and how modifications may affect benefits. Proper planning can include built-in flexibility or mechanisms for trustee replacement and adjustment when circumstances change.
Pooled trusts are established and administered by nonprofit organizations that maintain individual subaccounts for beneficiaries while investing funds collectively. They can accept first-party funds and provide professional administration, often making them a practical option when a family prefers not to manage a standalone trust. Pooled trusts typically charge fees and have specific distribution policies that should be reviewed carefully. They can offer stability and experienced oversight for long-term management of assets for persons with disabilities. Pooled trusts may be appropriate when a beneficiary receives a settlement or when family members seek a cost-effective administrative solution. Families should examine the pool’s bylaws, fee structure, and track record to ensure the arrangement aligns with the beneficiary’s needs and the family’s expectations for oversight and discretionary distributions.
Yes, a complete estate plan typically includes more than a trust. Essential companion documents include a will, pour-over will, powers of attorney for finance and health care, advance health care directives, HIPAA authorizations, and guardianship nominations when appropriate. These documents work together to manage decision-making, medical care preferences, and the flow of assets into the trust. A coordinated plan ensures that administrative tasks and personal wishes are clear and legally enforceable when needed. Including these documents reduces ambiguity and helps trustees and family members act promptly and consistently. For families of individuals with disabilities, clear healthcare directives and HIPAA releases are particularly important to allow authorized persons to access medical information and make informed decisions in accordance with the beneficiary’s best interests.
Special needs trusts should be reviewed regularly and after significant life events such as changes in the beneficiary’s health, receipt of an inheritance, changes in caregivers, or modifications to public benefits rules. Annual or biennial reviews can help ensure that distributions remain appropriate and that trustee arrangements, funding status, and documentation are current. Regular review also provides opportunities to adjust language to reflect new family priorities or legal developments that affect benefit interactions. Maintaining scheduled reviews reduces the risk of unintended consequences and helps trustees administer the trust confidently. Families should consider periodic meetings with counsel and financial advisors to coordinate planning, update documents, and confirm that the trust continues to serve the beneficiary’s best interests over time.
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