When you’re planning your estate, you may want to set aside some money for disabled family members. However, there’s more to just including them in the will and hoping probate goes smoothly. If you really want to provide the best future possible for these loved ones, you’ll need to establish a special needs trust. Fortunately, our Bellevue, WA special needs trust lawyer can walk you through the process. At Eastside Estate Planning, we work with both single parents and couples to design and update estate plans that reflect their unique goals. We’re ready to use our 10+ years of legal experience to help. Read on or reach out to our firm learn more!
Special Needs Trust Lawyer Bellevue, WA
If you have family members with disabilities, their government benefits can cover their basic needs. However, these benefits are pretty limited: they’re enough for medical care, food, shelter, and not much else. You may be providing for your disabled family member right now, but do you have a plan in place for when you’re no longer around?
When you create a special needs trust (SNT), you’re setting aside additional financial support for disabled family members. This money is used for what those government benefits don’t cover: home furnishings and personal items, transportation and travel, education, and more. Importantly, an SNT doesn’t disqualify your family member from receiving government assistance. Because of this, SNTs are a great way to maintain quality of life when you’re no longer available to maintain that quality yourself.
Your Bellevue special needs trust lawyer can help you tailor the trust to your loved one’s needs. There are multiple different types of SNTs, including first-party, third-party, or pooled. Depending on your situation, you and your lawyer may choose from these after going over the pros and cons of your options. Your disability trust attorney can also help you word your trust so you don’t accidentally lose any government benefits.
Your special needs planning lawyer can also help integrate your special needs trust with your broader estate plan. If you need help managing estate taxes, or you just want to help the rest of your loved ones avoid probate, the right estate planning lawyer can help you handle all of the above.
Why Experience Matters With Special Needs Trusts
At Eastside Estate Planning, we’re prepared to help you create your special needs trust. Here's what sets us apart from other attorneys in our field:
- Over our 10+ years of legal experience, seven of those have been dedicated exclusively to estate and probate law; we’ve assisted with wills, trusts, and estates of all shapes and sizes, including protecting loved ones with disabilities.
- Our founding attorney Robert Franco offers legal support with probate, wills, and trusts. But we also assist with tax planning, so your loved ones get more of whatever you’re leaving behind for them.
- We’ve spent over a decade helping people protect and plan their legacies, so we’ve created a fine-tuned, people-first process that focuses on clarity and transparency.
We have the experience and background to help you protect your legacy. Get in touch with Eastside Estate Planning today, and see how a Bellevue special needs trust lawyer from our team can make a difference.
Types Of Special Needs Trust Services We Provide
Families seeking long-term security for a loved one with disabilities often turn to trusts designed to safeguard eligibility for public benefits, and our Bellevue, WA special needs trust lawyer can help guide you through these options. At Eastside Estate Planning, we provide tailored services to help families build financial protection and peace of mind. We serve clients throughout Washington and the Eastside with an office located in Redmond for easy accessibility. With countless 5-star reviews and a deep dedication to our clients, our team is committed to thoughtful, customized planning that prioritizes your loved one’s wellbeing.
First-Party Special Needs Trusts
A first-party trust is funded with assets belonging to the individual with disabilities. These trusts allow the beneficiary to remain eligible for government programs while still using their funds for supplemental care. Our special needs planning lawyers help structure these trusts so they function correctly under federal and state rules.
Third-Party Special Needs Trusts
These trusts are created and funded by family members or loved ones. They protect a beneficiary’s eligibility for public benefits while enabling long-term financial support. Our supplemental needs trust lawyers assist families in setting up flexible, dependable financial plans that last well into the future.
Pooled Special Needs Trusts
A pooled trust is managed by a nonprofit organization and combines resources from multiple beneficiaries while keeping accounts separate. This option is often used when families prefer a managed structure or when funding a private trust independently is not feasible. Our disability trust attorneys help families decide whether a pooled trust aligns with their needs.
Special Needs Estate Planning Services
Many families want a coordinated plan that covers not just the trust but also key estate tools like wills, powers of attorney, and care instructions. Our special needs estate planning attorneys help build comprehensive plans that support long-term stability and clarity for everyone involved.
Guardianship And Decision-Making Support
Some individuals with disabilities require a legal guardian to help with certain decisions. We help families determine whether guardianship, supported decision-making, or a less restrictive alternative is appropriate. Our Bellevue special needs trust attorneys work with families to structure solutions that maintain dignity and protection.
Trust Administration And Support
Once a trust is created, proper management is essential to keep it functioning as intended. We provide ongoing guidance for trustees regarding distributions, recordkeeping, and regulatory compliance. Our supplemental needs trust lawyers support trustees so they feel confident and well-informed in their responsibilities.
We understand how important it is to create long-lasting structures that support your loved one with care, stability, and financial protection. Our Bellevue special needs trust lawyer team takes the time to listen, guide, and craft solutions that fit your family’s priorities. Whether you need help creating a new trust, updating an old one, or planning for long-term decision-making, we’re here to assist. If you are ready to secure your loved one’s future, our experienced team is prepared to help you take the next step. Don’t put off this important part of planning for your loved one’s future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us provide the thoughtful planning support your family deserves.