One of the best ways to support your family member with special needs is to set up a trust. Gudeman & Associates P.C. offers estate planning and family law services to craft personalized financial plans for families of people with special needs. Government benefits are not always enough to maintain a high quality of life, and our Royal Oak, MI special needs trust lawyer will walk you through all your options to ensure your loved one is financially secure. Call now to schedule a free consultation and learn which trust option is right for you and your family.

Working with a Special Needs Trust Lawyer

Trusts provide funds to beneficiaries based on a schedule you establish. There are several benefits to establishing a trust, such as:

  • Avoiding probate court
  • Minimizing taxation
  • Opportunities to invest and grow trust funds
  • Supplement income from government assistance like Medicaid

Our special needs trust lawyer will explain the conditions you can assign to the trust and how to set it up so payments do not affect your loved one’s ability to collect disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income, or Medicaid. Someone with special needs can be a beneficiary in a trust and get government assistance, but there are limits to how the trust money can be spent and how much they can receive. We will help you structure the trust in a way that is optimal for the unique circumstances of your family.

Organizing a Special Needs Trust

There are several aspects to consider when setting up a special needs trust. First, you will need to decide who is going to be the trustee or the person who manages the trust. Some people choose to appoint family members, while others feel more comfortable paying an impartial third party. The cost of using a legal trustee comes out of the trust fund, so there are financial advantages to choosing a loved one who agrees to take on the responsibility.

Next, you need to decide when and how the assets are distributed. Selecting care options now can help structure where the benefits will go. For example, if you want your family member with special needs to have an in-home caregiver instead of living at a residential facility, you may include a provision in the trust that funds are to be used for private healthcare costs. Our Royal Oak special needs trust lawyer will explain any restrictions or implications for each rule so you can make informed decisions.

Many families include a special needs trust in their estate plan. Trusts are much more beneficial than wills if you have a family member with special needs because you control how the trust funds are used. Wills dictate bulk inheritances, and it is up to the heir to decide how to use the money. As a result, including a loved one with special needs in a will is not effective in providing a lifetime of financial support and could make them vulnerable.

Leaving a legacy to loved ones with special needs requires additional planning. Gudeman & Associates P.C. recommends setting up a trust so you can get peace of mind knowing they will be taken care of after you are gone. If you want to secure the financial future of your family, contact our Royal Oak special needs trust lawyer now. We have over 100 years of combined experience and offer free consultations. Call today and prepare for the foreseeable and unforeseeable future with our comprehensive estate planning services.

Royal Oak, MI special needs trust options

Planning For A Loved One With A Disability

A special needs trust is a valuable legal option that allows you to set aside money for your loved one without affecting their eligibility for programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Also known as a discretionary or amenities trust, this type of planning gives families a way to support someone with special needs while maintaining access to essential public benefits. By working with our Royal Oak special needs trust lawyer, you can build a strategy that aligns with your goals and your family’s specific needs.

Types Of Special Needs Trusts And When To Use Them

A First Party Special Needs Trust, sometimes called a Medicaid Payback Trust, is created using the disabled person’s own assets—such as savings, an inheritance, or a lawsuit settlement. These funds can be used for supplemental care and personal needs that go beyond what government programs provide.

However, because the money originally belonged to the beneficiary, this type of trust must follow strict rules and is typically required to reimburse the state for Medicaid payments after the beneficiary passes away.

A Third Party Special Needs Trust is set up by a parent, grandparent, or other loved one using their own assets. This version is often part of a broader estate plan and does not require any Medicaid reimbursement after the beneficiary’s lifetime.

Both types of trusts must be carefully drafted to prevent the funds from being treated as countable assets and to avoid distributions that might interfere with benefit eligibility. Working with our Royal Oak special needs trust lawyer can help you decide which type of trust is appropriate based on your circumstances. We’ll help draft the terms of the trust, choose a qualified trustee, and coordinate the trust with other financial or estate planning tools.

Additional Planning Options For Long-Term Support

Beyond traditional special needs trusts, there are other tools available to help families provide long-term care.

One example is an ABLE account, which allows disabled individuals and their families to save money in a tax-advantaged way. Contributions can be made by anyone, and the income earned in the account is not taxed. These accounts can be helpful for covering everyday living expenses, education, or health services that do not interfere with benefit programs.

Another option is a Pooled Account Trust, which is managed by a nonprofit organization. These trusts combine funds from many beneficiaries, making them easier to administer while still allowing for personalized distributions. Pooled trusts can be especially useful when the trust amount is smaller or when professional management is preferred.

Our Michigan estate planning attorneys can help you build the comprehensive estate plan that both you and your legacy deserve. Whether you’re ready to discuss your options or make necessary updates or additions to your plan, get in touch with us.

Work With A Firm You Can Rely On

Planning for the care of a loved one with a disability is not something you need to do alone. At Gudeman & Associates, P.C., we take time to understand your situation and help you build a plan that supports your goals and mitigates the chances of estate disputes. If you’re ready to learn more about setting up a trust or exploring other options, contact our Royal Oak special needs trust lawyer today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We’re here to provide clear legal guidance and help you prepare for the future with confidence.