Special Needs Trusts Attorneys Serving Harris County, TX
West and West, LLP – Providing Secure Futures for Families in Harris County
At West and West, LLP, we are committed to helping families in Harris County protect the financial future of loved ones with special needs. Navigating the complexities of ensuring a family member with disabilities continues to receive critical government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be overwhelming. We specialize in creating Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) that preserve government eligibility while also providing your loved one with additional resources for their care and support.
Our attorneys have years of experience in crafting personalized Special Needs Trusts that meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can enjoy a better quality of life without losing access to essential services.
Why Harris County Families Choose West and West, LLP
📍 Serving Harris County with Compassion and Expertise
As a trusted firm in Harris County, we provide compassionate, client-centered legal services to families who want to ensure the future well-being of their loved ones with special needs. We take the time to understand your unique situation and provide customized solutions.
⚖ Expertise in Disability Law and Special Needs Planning
With extensive experience in disability law, we understand the intricacies of government benefits and the legal requirements of creating a Special Needs Trust. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process to ensure your loved one is properly protected.
🔑 Tailored Special Needs Trusts for Your Family’s Needs
We know that every family’s needs are different. Our attorneys take a personalized approach to creating Special Needs Trusts that meet your loved one’s specific needs while also aligning with your family’s goals and financial situation.
The Benefits of Special Needs Trusts for Families in Harris County
✅ Preservation of Government Benefits
A Special Needs Trust ensures that the assets held for your loved one’s benefit do not disqualify them from receiving essential government benefits like Medicaid and SSI. The trust is structured to protect their eligibility while supplementing their quality of life with additional resources.
✅ Enhanced Quality of Life
Trust funds can be used for a variety of needs that are not covered by government benefits, including housing, therapy, medical care, transportation, education, and even recreational activities. This provides your loved one with an enhanced quality of life.
✅ Protection of Assets
By holding assets in a Special Needs Trust, families can safeguard their loved one’s finances, ensuring the assets are used responsibly and exclusively for their benefit. The trust also protects these assets from exploitation or mismanagement.
✅ Peace of Mind for Families
Creating a Special Needs Trust gives families peace of mind knowing that their loved one’s needs will be met for years to come, without worrying about their eligibility for government benefits being jeopardized.
Types of Special Needs Trusts We Offer for Harris County Residents
✅ Third-Party Special Needs Trust
This trust is established by a third party—such as a parent, grandparent, or other relative—using their own assets to benefit the individual with special needs. After the beneficiary’s death, any remaining funds can be distributed to other designated beneficiaries.
✅ First-Party Special Needs Trust (d4A Trust)
Funded by assets belonging to the individual with disabilities (such as an inheritance or personal injury settlement), this type of trust must comply with Medicaid payback requirements after the beneficiary’s death.
✅ Pooled Special Needs Trust
Managed by a nonprofit organization, a pooled special needs trust pools the funds of multiple beneficiaries while keeping separate accounts for each individual. It offers investment opportunities and helps meet the individual needs of each beneficiary.
Our Process for Creating Special Needs Trusts
✅ Initial Consultation
We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your loved one’s needs, financial situation, and your family’s goals. This helps us design a Special Needs Trust that fits your specific circumstances.
✅ Trust Design and Drafting
Based on the information gathered, our attorneys draft a Special Needs Trust that complies with applicable laws and is tailored to your loved one’s needs. We work to ensure that the trust maximizes their eligibility for government benefits while enhancing their quality of life.
✅ Review and Approval
We thoroughly review the trust with you to ensure it meets your expectations and addresses all of your concerns before finalizing it.
✅ Trust Funding and Administration
Once the trust is created, we assist with funding it and provide guidance on its administration, including making appropriate distributions and meeting reporting requirements.
✅ Ongoing Support
We offer ongoing support to ensure the trust continues to meet your loved one’s needs and remains effective over time as circumstances change.
Common Questions About Special Needs Trusts
Can a Special Needs Trust pay for housing and living expenses?
Yes, Special Needs Trust funds can be used for housing, medical care, transportation, and other essential expenses not covered by government assistance.
Can a beneficiary have more than one Special Needs Trust?
Yes, it’s possible for a beneficiary to have multiple Special Needs Trusts, each serving different purposes or funded by different sources.
What happens to the trust funds after the beneficiary’s death?
The disposition of remaining funds depends on the type of trust and provisions made within the trust document. For third-party trusts, remaining funds are typically distributed to other designated beneficiaries. For first-party trusts, Medicaid may require payback.
Contact Us for Your Special Needs Trust Consultation
Ensure a secure future for your loved one with a Special Needs Trust from West and West, LLP. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process, providing expert legal counsel to ensure your loved one’s needs are met while preserving their eligibility for critical government benefits.
📞 Call Us Today: (713) 222-9378
📧 Email: west@westandwest.com
📍 Visit Us: 3818 Fox Meadow Lane, Pasadena, TX
Contact us today to create a Special Needs Trust tailored to your family’s unique needs and secure a stable future for your loved one.
