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Special Needs Trust Attorney in Arizona-Plan With Confidence, Protect With Care
Planning for a Loved One With Disabilities-Peace of Mind for Their Future
If you have a loved one with special needs, you worry about their long-term care and financial security-especially when you're no longer there to help. Special needs planning is about providing lasting support without endangering essential government benefits like SSI or Medicaid, which have strict asset and income limits. Hopkins Law understands these concerns and guides Arizona families through every step.
What Is a Special Needs Trust (SNT)?
A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a legal tool that allows you to set aside funds for a person with disabilities, managed by a trustee, without jeopardizing their eligibility for needs-based government benefits. The trust owns the assets, and the beneficiary receives supplemental care, services, and quality-of-life extras-things that SSI or Medicaid don't cover-such as therapies, educational programs, recreation, and special equipment.
There are a few types:
- Third-Party SNT: Most common for parents or grandparents planning ahead-funded by gifts, inheritance, or life insurance.
- First-Party SNT: Funded with the beneficiary's own assets, such as an inheritance or lawsuit settlement, with required "payback" provisions for Medicaid.
- Pooled Trusts: Managed by nonprofit organizations, sometimes suitable for smaller sums.
Hopkins Law helps you choose and set up the right trust for your situation.
How Hopkins Law Supports Arizona Families
Custom, Legally Sound Trusts
We draft trust documents that comply with all federal and Arizona requirements, ensuring the trust works as intended and stands up to scrutiny.
Integration With Your Estate Plan
Coordinate the SNT with your will, other children's inheritances, guardianship plans, and overall family wishes.
Funding Guidance & Trustee Selection
Advice on how to fund the trust, whether through insurance, assets, or gifts, and help you select a trustworthy individual or professional trustee.
Coordinating with ABLE Accounts and Other Benefits
When appropriate, we explain the pros and cons of Arizona's ABLE accounts and how to use them alongside a special needs trust.
Resource Knowledge
Familiar with Arizona's developmental disability services, benefits systems, and local support resources.
Why Special Needs Planning Is Essential-And Not a DIY Project
A single mistake-like leaving a direct inheritance to a disabled loved one-can cost them their benefits and future support. With professional legal planning, you'll know your loved one is cared for, financially secure, and their government benefits are preserved.
Frequently Asked Special Needs Planning Questions
How do I provide for my disabled child without losing SSI/Medicaid?
By setting up a special needs trust, you can leave funds for their use without affecting benefit eligibility.
Special needs trust vs ABLE account in Arizona-what's the difference?
ABLE accounts have annual funding limits and are best for smaller amounts; SNTs allow for larger sums, more flexibility, and broader uses.
Who should be the trustee?
You can name a trusted family member, friend, or a professional/corporate trustee. We'll help you weigh the options.
Is this only for children?
No-adults with disabilities or even older individuals needing to preserve benefits can benefit from SNT planning.
Do I need a lawyer for special needs planning?
Absolutely-mistakes can have lifelong consequences. We handle every detail to ensure your plan is sound.
Secure Your Loved One's Future-Start Special Needs Planning Today
Don't leave your loved one's care and financial security to chance. Reach out to Hopkins Law for a compassionate, thorough approach to special needs trusts and planning-so your family's future is protected.