Special Needs Trusts Attorney Galveston
West and West, LLP – Helping Galveston Families Secure the Financial Future of Loved Ones with Disabilities
If you have a loved one with disabilities or special needs, ensuring their financial security while maintaining eligibility for government benefits is a top priority. Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) are powerful legal tools that can help protect your loved one’s assets while safeguarding their eligibility for vital public assistance programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
At West and West, LLP, we specialize in creating personalized Special Needs Trusts for families in Galveston. Our dedicated attorneys work with you to develop a trust that meets your loved one’s unique needs, giving you peace of mind about their long-term financial well-being.
Why Galveston Families Choose West and West, LLP
📍 Serving Galveston with Compassion and Expertise
As a trusted firm in the Galveston community, we understand the challenges that families face when planning for a loved one’s future. We are committed to providing customized legal solutions with a compassionate, client-focused approach.
⚖ Extensive Experience in Disability Law
Our attorneys have a deep understanding of disability law, including Special Needs Trusts, and are dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of securing government benefits while protecting their assets.
🔑 Tailored Special Needs Trusts for Your Family
We know that every family’s situation is different. We work closely with you to create a Special Needs Trust that is tailored to your loved one’s specific financial and personal circumstances, ensuring their future is secure.
The Benefits of Special Needs Trusts for Families in Galveston
✅ Preservation of Government Benefits
Special Needs Trusts are designed to ensure that your loved one’s eligibility for means-tested government benefits like SSI and Medicaid remains intact, even as they benefit from additional assets held in the trust.
✅ Enhanced Quality of Life
Funds from a Special Needs Trust can be used to supplement government benefits, covering additional expenses such as medical care, therapy, education, housing, transportation, and recreation—things that are not typically covered by public assistance.
✅ Protection of Assets
A Special Needs Trust helps protect your loved one’s assets, ensuring they are used exclusively for their benefit, while shielding them from misuse or mismanagement.
✅ Peace of Mind for Families
With a well-structured Special Needs Trust, families in Galveston can have peace of mind knowing that their loved one’s financial future is secure, and that they will continue to receive the care and support they need.
Types of Special Needs Trusts We Offer for Galveston Residents
✅ Third-Party Special Needs Trust
This trust is established by a third party, such as a parent or grandparent, using their assets to benefit the individual with disabilities. After the beneficiary’s death, any remaining funds can pass to other beneficiaries designated by the grantor.
✅ First-Party Special Needs Trust (d4A Trust)
This type of trust is created using assets owned by the individual with disabilities (e.g., inheritance or personal injury settlement). However, it is subject to Medicaid payback requirements after the beneficiary’s death.
✅ Pooled Special Needs Trust
Managed by a nonprofit organization, this trust pools funds from multiple beneficiaries for investment purposes while maintaining separate accounts for each individual, ensuring both investment opportunities and individualized care.
Our Process for Creating Special Needs Trusts
✅ Initial Consultation
We start with a thorough consultation to understand your loved one’s needs, goals, and financial situation. This allows us to create a trust that aligns with your family’s objectives.
✅ Trust Design and Drafting
Based on our discussion, we draft a Special Needs Trust that complies with relevant laws and is designed to meet your family’s unique needs.
✅ Review and Approval
We carefully review the trust document with you to ensure it reflects your intentions and addresses any concerns, making adjustments as needed.
✅ Trust Funding and Administration
Once the trust is in place, we assist with funding the trust and provide ongoing support for trust administration, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
✅ Ongoing Support
We offer continued support to ensure that the trust remains effective, adapting to any changes in your loved one’s needs or circumstances over time.
Common Questions About Special Needs Trusts
Can a Special Needs Trust pay for housing and living expenses?
Yes, funds from a Special Needs Trust can be used for housing, utilities, food, transportation, medical care, and other needs that are not covered by government assistance.
Can a beneficiary have more than one Special Needs Trust?
Yes, it is possible for a beneficiary to have multiple Special Needs Trusts, each created for different purposes or funded by different sources.
What happens to the trust funds after the beneficiary’s death?
The distribution of trust funds after the beneficiary’s death depends on the type of trust and the provisions made in the trust document.
Contact Us for Your Special Needs Trust Consultation
Ensure your loved one’s financial future is secure with a Special Needs Trust from West and West, LLP. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the process and provide the protection your family needs.
📞 Call Us Today: (713) 222-9378
📧 Email: west@westandwest.com
📍 Visit Us: 3818 Fox Meadow Lane, Pasadena, TX
Give your loved one the financial security they deserve. Contact us today to create a Special Needs Trust that is tailored to your family’s unique needs.
