Trusts created to supplement government benefits without affecting eligibility. They are funded with the beneficiary’s assets and may be structured in various ways.
Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses. Earnings are not counted against SSI limits.
Guardianship grants a third-party legal authority to care for a disabled person. Less restrictive alternatives should be considered first.
Provides guidance on caring for the beneficiary to future caregivers. Details like dislikes, routines, etc.
This is a trust designed to provide funds for a person with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid and SSI. The lawyer will customize the trust according to the beneficiary’s situation.
The lawyer can help family members legally establish guardianship and/or conservatorship to manage care and finances for a disabled individual. This involves court procedures.
This important document outlines instructions, wishes, and information for future caregivers. The lawyer will formalize the letter and ensure it conveys the parents’ wishes.
The rules around government benefits like Medicaid and SSI can be complex. The lawyer will advise families on how to maintain eligibility.
This involves documents like a special needs trust, wills, powers of attorney, and more to protect the disabled individual’s interests now and in the future after their parents are gone.
On any legal issue related to disabilities, the lawyer can provide knowledgeable advice tailored to the specific situation.
Having a lawyer well-versed in elder law and disability planning is invaluable for special needs families. They have the expertise to create customized plans that provide for the child while maintaining government benefits. This provides parents with peace of mind.
In North Carolina, properly created special needs trusts allow expenses to be paid for without reducing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The trusts can be used to pay for supplementary items like specialized therapies, transportation, housing, caregiver services, and more – improving quality of life beyond just basic needs.
Here is an overview of the step-by-step process our attorney uses to create comprehensive special needs plans for North Carolina families:
We meet with you to understand your child’s disability, current/future needs, and goals. We’ll also discuss your financial situation and wishes.
You’ll sign the finalized legal documents to put your plan into effect. We’ll provide you copies along with filing/funding instructions.
Even after signing, we provide ongoing support to assist with implementing the plan, from benefit enrollment to funding trusts.
We meet annually or whenever a major life change occurs to re-evaluate and amend your plan as needed.
If you’re a parent of a child with special needs in the Wilmington area, you likely stay awake at night worrying about their care and financial security once you’re gone. It’s hard to plan for the future when you’re busy with today’s demands. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Cline Donaldson PLLC, we understand your concerns and can help craft a customized plan just for your child. With years of serving Wilmington families, we know how to safeguard your child’s eligibility for essential government benefits while still providing supplemental funds to enhance their quality of life.
Don’t leave it up to chance. Schedule a consultation today, and let’s get started on a strategic special needs plan that will give you peace of mind. Your child’s future depends on it.
