Estate Planning Support
Protecting a Loved One's Benefits and Future
Families caring for a child or family member with a disability often face unique planning decisions. Roybal-Mack & Cordova, PC provides thoughtful estate-planning guidance to help families consider how a special needs trust may support a loved one while preserving access to eligible public benefits.
We help clients understand the legal and financial details that may affect a supplemental needs trust, so they can make informed decisions about care, assets, and long-term support.
What Is a Supplemental Needs Trust?
A special needs trust, also called a supplemental needs trust, may be established for a beneficiary with a disability who receives government assistance such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. Funding may come from a will, estate plan, life-insurance policy, or other eligible source.
Third-Party Special Needs Trusts
A parent, grandparent, or other third party may establish this type of trust using assets that belong to the third party. Careful trust language and funding decisions are important to the overall estate plan.
Self-Settled Trusts
Some trusts are funded with the beneficiary's own assets, including funds from a settlement. These arrangements can involve specific federal and state requirements, including possible reimbursement obligations or pooled-trust administration.
Selecting the Right Trustee
A trustee needs to understand the trust's distribution rules and the beneficiary's circumstances. We help clients consider trustee selection and a distribution approach that supports the beneficiary without unintentionally affecting eligible benefits.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
- ›Review how a special needs trust fits into your overall estate plan.
- ›Discuss funding options and documents that may need to work together.
- ›Help you evaluate trustee responsibilities and long-term administration.
- ›Provide clear guidance tailored to your family's planning goals.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Individual trust planning should be discussed with an attorney.
Start Planning for Their Future
Speak with our estate-planning team about options that may help protect your loved one's long-term support.