Special Needs Trusts Attorney Pasadena
West and West, LLP – Secure the Future of Your Loved One in Pasadena
At West and West, LLP, we specialize in helping families in Pasadena create Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) that protect the financial future of loved ones with disabilities. A Special Needs Trust is an essential tool for ensuring that individuals with special needs can maintain their eligibility for government benefits, like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), while still benefiting from additional resources.
We are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized legal services that help you navigate the complexities of disability law, ensuring your loved one’s needs are met with care and attention to detail.
Why Pasadena Families Choose West and West, LLP
📍 Serving Pasadena with Expertise and Compassion
We proudly serve the Pasadena community, providing expert legal services designed to protect and secure the financial future of individuals with special needs. Our team works closely with you to understand your loved one’s specific needs, creating customized solutions that align with your family’s goals.
⚖ Expertise in Disability Law and Special Needs Planning
Our attorneys have extensive experience in disability law and Special Needs Trusts, ensuring that your loved one’s eligibility for vital government benefits is protected while maximizing the resources available to enhance their life.
🔑 Tailored Solutions for Your Family’s Needs
We recognize that every family’s situation is unique. That’s why we offer personalized legal services, taking into account your loved one’s individual needs, family dynamics, and financial circumstances when designing a Special Needs Trust.
The Benefits of Special Needs Trusts for Families in Pasadena
✅ Preservation of Government Benefits
A Special Needs Trust allows individuals with disabilities to receive additional resources without losing eligibility for important government programs like Medicaid and SSI. This ensures your loved one can maintain their access to essential healthcare and support services.
✅ Enhanced Quality of Life
Trust funds can be used to pay for a wide range of expenses not covered by government benefits, such as medical care, therapy, housing, education, transportation, and recreational activities. This helps improve the quality of life for your loved one.
✅ Protection of Assets
A Special Needs Trust helps protect assets from misuse, mismanagement, or exploitation, ensuring that the funds are used exclusively to benefit your loved one with special needs.
✅ Peace of Mind for Families
Creating a Special Needs Trust offers peace of mind, knowing that your loved one’s future is financially secure and that they will continue to receive the care and support they need, without risking the loss of essential government benefits.
Types of Special Needs Trusts We Offer for Pasadena Residents
✅ Third-Party Special Needs Trust
This trust is created by a third party, such as a parent or grandparent, using their assets to benefit the individual with special needs. Any remaining funds after the beneficiary’s death are typically distributed to other beneficiaries designated by the grantor.
✅ First-Party Special Needs Trust (d4A Trust)
A first-party trust is funded by assets belonging to the individual with disabilities, such as an inheritance or personal injury settlement. These trusts are subject to Medicaid payback requirements after the beneficiary’s death.
✅ Pooled Special Needs Trust
A pooled trust is managed by a nonprofit organization, which combines funds from multiple beneficiaries while keeping separate accounts for each individual. This type of trust allows beneficiaries to benefit from pooled investment resources while ensuring their individual needs are met.
Our Process for Creating Special Needs Trusts
✅ Initial Consultation
We begin by meeting with you to discuss your loved one’s needs, financial situation, and family goals. This enables us to design a Special Needs Trust that is tailored to your unique circumstances.
✅ Trust Design and Drafting
Our attorneys will draft a Special Needs Trust that meets all legal requirements and is customized to address your loved one’s specific needs. We ensure the trust preserves government benefits while providing additional resources for care.
✅ Review and Approval
We review the trust document with you to ensure it aligns with your intentions and meets your family’s goals. Any necessary adjustments will be made before finalizing the trust.
✅ Trust Funding and Administration
Once the trust is finalized, we assist with the process of funding it and provide guidance on its administration. This includes ensuring that distributions are made properly and in accordance with the terms of the trust.
✅ Ongoing Support
We offer continued support to ensure the trust remains effective as your loved one’s needs evolve. Our team is available to assist with any adjustments or updates to the trust over time.
Common Questions About Special Needs Trusts
Can a Special Needs Trust pay for housing and living expenses?
Yes, Special Needs Trusts can be used to cover a variety of expenses, including housing, medical care, transportation, therapy, and personal care, in addition to recreational activities.
Can a beneficiary have more than one Special Needs Trust?
Yes, it is possible for a beneficiary to have multiple Special Needs Trusts if they are funded by different sources or serve different purposes.
What happens to the trust funds after the beneficiary’s death?
The disposition of remaining funds depends on the type of trust. In the case of a first-party trust, Medicaid may require payback from the remaining assets. Otherwise, the funds are distributed according to the terms outlined in the trust document.
Contact Us for Your Special Needs Trust Consultation
At West and West, LLP, we are committed to providing families in Pasadena with the legal support and guidance they need to secure their loved one’s future. Our attorneys will help you design a Special Needs Trust that protects your loved one’s eligibility for government benefits while maximizing their quality of life.
📞 Call Us Today: (713) 222-9378
📧 Email: west@westandwest.com
📍 Visit Us: 3818 Fox Meadow Lane, Pasadena, TX
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure a secure financial future for your loved one.
