Special Needs Planning

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At Peters and Krown, we understand that families with loved ones who have special needs face unique challenges. Planning for their future requires not only careful consideration of financial and legal matters but also a deep understanding of their ongoing care, quality of life, and eligibility for government benefits.

Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping families create comprehensive special needs plans that provide peace of mind and ensure their loved ones are protected, supported, and empowered for years to come.

What is Special Needs Planning?

Special needs planning is the process of creating a legal and financial strategy to support individuals with disabilities while preserving their eligibility for government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. This type of planning involves:

• Establishing long-term financial security.
• Protecting access to essential government benefits.
• Ensuring your loved one’s care and quality of life are maintained.
• Appointing trusted individuals to manage their affairs.

Our Special Needs Planning Services

We provide tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of your family and your loved one with special needs. Our services include:

1. Special Needs Trusts (SNTs)

A Special Needs Trust is a powerful tool designed to provide financial support for your loved one without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. We can help you establish:

• First-Party Special Needs Trusts: Funded with the beneficiary’s own assets, often used to protect an inheritance or settlement.
• Third-Party Special Needs Trusts: Funded with assets from family members, typically through an estate plan or life insurance policy.
• Pooled Trusts: Manage by nonprofit organizations, ideal for families with limited resources.

2. Guardianship and Conservatorship

If your loved one is unable to make decisions for themselves, we can guide you through the process of establishing guardianship or conservatorship to ensure their personal, medical, and financial needs are met.

3. Estate Planning Integration

We integrate special needs planning into your overall estate plan, ensuring that your assets are distributed in a way that supports your loved one with special needs without disrupting their benefits. This may include:

• Wills and trusts tailored to your family’s needs.
• Designating a trustee to manage the Special Needs Trust.
• Naming caregivers or advocates in your estate plan.