Special Needs Planning Attorney in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Special Needs Trusts & Wills for Adults with Disabilities
Special needs planning is a process that can help individuals with disabilities and their families prepare for future financial and medical needs. It is important to consider this process early in life, as the needs of individuals with disabilities tend to increase as they age. Special needs planning is often essential for individuals with disabilities, because the rules for public benefits are often limited for those who are not employed.
The attorneys at Murfree & Goodman, PLLC can help you create a special needs trust or will that can help provide for your future needs. Our attorneys have a combined 35 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families and will work with you to develop a plan that suits your needs.
Contact our office at (615) 895-7000 to schedule an appointment with a special needs attorney near you.
What Are the Benefits of a Special Needs Trust?
There are many benefits to establishing a special needs trust. A trust can help preserve the individual's eligibility for public benefits, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. It can also help protect assets from being spent on unnecessary expenses, such as those from a nursing home. Additionally, a trust can help an individual with disabilities save for future needs, such as education or housing.
Some of the benefits of a special needs trust include:
- Preservation of public benefits
- Protection of assets
- Ability to save for future needs
Planning for the Future: Special Needs Trusts for Children
A special needs trust is a legal tool that allows parents or guardians to set aside funds for their child's care and well-being without jeopardizing their eligibility for government assistance programs.
Below are some key reasons to establish a special needs trust for your child:
- Preserving eligibility for government benefits: By placing assets in a special needs trust, your child can still qualify for important programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Ensuring quality of life: A special needs trust can provide funds for additional services and expenses that enhance your child's quality of life, such as medical treatments, therapies, education, housing, transportation, and recreational activities.
- Protecting assets: With a special needs trust, you can protect your child's assets from being depleted by medical expenses or other costs, ensuring that they have financial security throughout their lifetime.
- Peace of mind: By establishing a special needs trust, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child will be taken care of even when you are no longer able to provide for them.
Our experienced special needs planning attorneys in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, at Murfree & Goodman, PLLC, are backed by years of experience and they are ready to walk you through the process of creating a tailor-made special needs trust for your child. We understand the unique challenges and considerations involved in special needs planning and we are committed to assisting families in securing a bright and secure future for their loved ones with special needs.
Can a Will Be Used to Create a Special Needs Trust?
A will may be used to create a special needs trust. However, a will is not the best way to create a trust for an individual with disabilities. A will must go through probate, which is a process in which a court oversees the distribution of an estate. This process can be costly, time-consuming, and can result in the trust being opened to public scrutiny. Additionally, the rules for probate are different for special needs trusts, which may result in the trust not being administered as intended.
It is best to use a revocable living trust to create a special needs trust. A revocable living trust helps you avoid probate and is easier to modify than a will. A revocable living trust can be changed or revoked at any time and does not need to go through the court system to be changed.
Creating a Comprehensive Special Needs Plan
Our special needs planning services go beyond just establishing special needs trusts and wills. We take a holistic approach to ensure all aspects of your loved one's future are considered and protected.
Some key components of a comprehensive special needs plan include:
- Financial Planning: We work with you to develop a customized financial plan that ensures your loved one's eligibility for government benefits while maximizing their available resources.
- Guardianship and Conservatorship: If necessary, we can assist you in establishing guardianship or conservatorship to protect your loved one's legal rights and make decisions on their behalf.
- Healthcare Advocacy: We help you navigate the complex healthcare system, ensuring your loved one receives the necessary medical care and support services.
- Transition Planning: As your loved one transitions into adulthood or experiences major life changes, we can provide guidance and support to ensure a smooth transition.
- Government Benefits: Our attorneys are well-versed in the eligibility requirements and application process for government benefits such as Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
By working with our qualified special needs planning lawyers, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to protect your loved one's future. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us and schedule a consultation -- we are ready to help you create a comprehensive special needs plan based on your family's unique needs.
How Can Our Special Needs Trust Lawyers Help?
The attorneys at Murfree & Goodman, PLLC can help you create a special needs trust or will that meets your needs. We can help you determine what type of trust is right for you and help you decide how to distribute your assets. We can also help you modify your trust as your needs change.
Contact our office at (615) 895-7000 to schedule an appointment with a special needs trust lawyer near you.
