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Estate Planning

A First-Party Special Needs Trust: Keeping an Inheritance or Settlement Without Losing Benefits

What happens when a person receiving SSI or Medi-Cal suddenly receives an inheritance, lawsuit settlement, or other substantial sum of money? Without planning, that money can create a serious problem. Many public benefits are “means-tested,” meaning eligibility depends in part on how much income or assets a person has. A first-party special needs trust can

September 25, 2026

Woman at work in wheelchair at trendy coffee house

ADA

Understanding the ADA: Ensuring a Bright Future with Special Needs Trusts

Today, a significant event took place at the White House that holds immense importance for individuals with disabilities and their families. President Biden delivered a heartfelt speech at a White House reception in celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), emphasizing the commitment to equality and inclusion for all Americans. In this blog post,

October 2, 2023

How a Special Needs Trust Protects Loved Ones

While it may not seem necessary when a special needs child is young, setting up a trust to ensure their financial stability is better to be done sooner rather than later.

May 2, 2023

Ask Mom if She has a Will

My mother told me many times over the years that she had a will, and I believed her. When she passed away, we discovered that her will was 40 years old—and completely useless.

December 9, 2022

Durable Power of Attorney

Special Needs Family Requires Special Planning

As our children with disabilities grow older, and we ourselves grow older, the future can seem daunting. The future can be overwhelming.

October 31, 2019

Estate Planning

How Do I Plan My Estate With a Disabled Child?

As our children with disabilities grow older, and we ourselves grow older, the future can seem daunting. The future can be overwhelming. Taking steps to plan for the future can seem way too complicated, especially when you don’t know where to start.

September 18, 2019

Asset Protection

What Should I Know About a Special Needs Trust?

A special needs trust allows the beneficiary–your family member–to receive government benefits, while still receiving funds from the trust.

August 30, 2019

Estate Planning

What You Need to Know If Asked to Be a Trustee

If asked to be a trustee, anyone, unless previously experienced in this field would not know what the responsibilities are. How much work is involved? What is the time frame? Do I need to prepare tax returns and handle accounts? Can I get help? When do my responsibilities end?

August 12, 2019

Estate Planning

What Kind of Money Do I Need to Put into a Special Needs Trust for my Child?

Anyone with a child with special needs understands the need to prepare for the future. A trust is always a good place to start, and figuring out a savings goal for that trust is a key part to your planning.

August 1, 2019

Durable Power of Attorney

Your Assets, Your Wishes: You Decide or Should the State?

The state will most likely be happy to do it for you after you die. If you do not have a will or an estate plan, your wishes may not be carried out but your assets will be distributed, according to the Concord Monitor in “Make Your Wishes Known.” The reason? Because your property will

July 2, 2019

Blog Articles

A First-Party Special Needs Trust: Keeping an Inheritance or Settlement Without Losing Benefits

How a Special Needs Trust Protects Loved Ones

Ask Mom if She has a Will

How Do I Plan My Estate With a Disabled Child?

What Should I Know About a Special Needs Trust?

What You Need to Know If Asked to Be a Trustee

Your Assets, Your Wishes: You Decide or Should the State?

Recent Posts

Mom Is Paying Thousands a Month for Care. Is It Too Late for Medi-Cal Planning?

A First-Party Special Needs Trust: Keeping an Inheritance or Settlement Without Losing Benefits

Two Moves, One Year, and a Few Estate Planning Lessons

If You Had to Evacuate Tonight, Could You Find Your Estate Planning Documents?

Choosing a Nursing Home in California: What Families Need to Know

Does My 18-Year-Old Need an Estate Plan? What California Parents Should Know

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