Special Needs Trusts Attorney Dickinson
West and West, LLP – Securing the Future of Your Loved One in Dickinson
At West and West, LLP, we specialize in creating Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) for families in Dickinson who have loved ones with disabilities. A Special Needs Trust is a vital tool for ensuring that individuals with special needs maintain their eligibility for important government benefits, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), while still benefiting from additional financial support.
We are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized legal services to families in Dickinson, ensuring that your loved one’s needs are met now and in the future, while protecting their financial future.
Why Dickinson Families Choose West and West, LLP
📍 Serving Dickinson with Expertise and Compassion
We are proud to serve the Dickinson community, offering expert legal assistance to families seeking to secure the financial future of their loved ones with special needs. Our team takes a client-focused approach to ensure that your loved one’s specific needs are met, now and in the future.
⚖ Expertise in Disability Law and Special Needs Planning
Our attorneys have extensive experience in disability law and Special Needs Trusts, helping families protect their loved one’s eligibility for vital government benefits while enhancing their quality of life through additional financial resources.
🔑 Tailored Solutions for Your Family’s Needs
Every family’s situation is unique, and we take the time to understand your loved one’s specific needs and financial goals. We offer customized solutions designed to ensure that your loved one’s future is protected, while also providing for their ongoing care and well-being.
The Benefits of Special Needs Trusts for Families in Dickinson
✅ Preservation of Government Benefits
By creating a Special Needs Trust, individuals with disabilities can retain eligibility for government programs like Medicaid and SSI while benefiting from additional resources held within the trust. This ensures continued access to essential healthcare and services.
✅ Enhanced Quality of Life
Funds held in a Special Needs Trust can be used to cover a range of expenses not covered by government benefits, including medical care, education, therapy, transportation, housing, and recreation. This can significantly enhance your loved one’s quality of life.
✅ Protection of Assets
A Special Needs Trust protects assets from misuse, mismanagement, or exploitation. This ensures that funds are used specifically for your loved one’s care and support, securing their financial future.
✅ Peace of Mind for Families
Creating a Special Needs Trust provides families in Dickinson with peace of mind, knowing that their loved one’s financial future is secure and that they will continue to receive the care they need without losing eligibility for government benefits.
Types of Special Needs Trusts We Offer for Dickinson Residents
✅ Third-Party Special Needs Trust
This trust is created by a third party, such as a parent, grandparent, or other family member, using their own assets to benefit the individual with special needs. Upon the beneficiary’s death, remaining funds are distributed to other beneficiaries as directed by the trust.
✅ 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. Medicaid may require payback from any remaining funds after the beneficiary’s death, as per Medicaid rules.
✅ Pooled Special Needs Trust
A pooled trust is managed by a nonprofit organization and combines the funds of multiple beneficiaries for investment purposes. However, each beneficiary maintains a separate account, ensuring their needs are met individually while benefiting from pooled investments.
Our Process for Creating Special Needs Trusts
✅ Initial Consultation
We begin with a detailed consultation to discuss your loved one’s needs, goals, and financial situation. This allows us to design a Special Needs Trust that addresses your family’s specific needs, ensuring the best protection for your loved one.
✅ Trust Design and Drafting
Once we have a clear understanding of your family’s goals, we draft a Special Needs Trust that complies with all legal requirements while addressing your loved one’s needs and protecting their eligibility for government benefits.
✅ Review and Approval
We carefully review the trust document with you, ensuring it accurately reflects your intentions and meets your family’s needs. Any necessary adjustments will be made before finalizing the document.
✅ Trust Funding and Administration
We assist with funding the trust, ensuring that assets are transferred properly. We also provide ongoing support to ensure the trust is administered correctly, including proper distributions and reporting.
✅ Ongoing Support
We offer continuous support to ensure the trust remains effective as your loved one’s needs change over time. If updates or adjustments are needed, we are here to help with any necessary changes.
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, education, therapy, and recreational activities, improving your loved one’s overall quality of life.
Can a beneficiary have more than one Special Needs Trust?
Yes, a beneficiary can have multiple Special Needs Trusts if they are funded by different sources or designed to meet different purposes.
What happens to the trust funds after the beneficiary’s death?
The disposition of funds after the beneficiary’s death depends on the type of trust. For a first-party trust, Medicaid may require payback from the remaining funds. In other cases, the remaining funds may pass to other designated beneficiaries.
Contact Us for Your Special Needs Trust Consultation
Ensure a secure and stable financial future for your loved one with a Special Needs Trust from West and West, LLP. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help you create a trust tailored to your family’s needs and ensure your loved one receives the care and support they deserve.
📞 Call Us Today: (713) 222-9378
📧 Email: west@westandwest.com
📍 Visit Us: 3818 Fox Meadow Lane, Pasadena, TX
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin planning for a secure financial future for your loved one.