Special Needs Planning

Cedar Knolls Special Needs Planning Attorney

If you care for a loved one with a disability, you want to be sure they have the resources and support they need for life. Special needs planning allows you to protect their financial future without jeopardizing essential government benefits. At E.A. Goodman Law, we combine our experience with a compassionate approach to help families in Cedar Knolls and across New Jersey create plans that bring peace of mind today and security for tomorrow.

Why Special Needs Planning Matters

Families often face a difficult balance: leaving an inheritance or providing financial assistance while ensuring a loved one can still qualify for programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Without the right legal structure, even well-intentioned gifts can unintentionally disqualify someone from benefits.

We help you design a plan that:

• Preserves eligibility for public benefits
• Provides funds for quality-of-life expenses
• Reflects your values and your loved one’s unique needs
• Offers guidance for future decision-makers

Whether you are a parent planning for your child’s adulthood or an adult with a disability looking ahead, the right plan can safeguard both financial stability and independence. Planning now can also help prevent family disagreements later and ensure that the people you choose will be the ones making important decisions.

Understanding Special Needs Trusts

A special needs trust (SNT) is one of the most effective tools for protecting assets while maintaining benefit eligibility. The trust holds money or property for the benefit of a person with a disability, and a trustee manages distributions to cover expenses not provided by government programs. These may include education, hobbies, transportation, personal care items, and more.

There are two main types of special needs trusts:

1. First-Party Special Needs Trusts
   • Funded with the beneficiary’s own assets, such as an inheritance received directly or proceeds from a personal injury settlement.
   • Must comply with specific rules, including a Medicaid payback provision after the beneficiary’s death.
2. Third-Party Special Needs Trusts
   • Funded by someone other than the beneficiary, often parents or grandparents.
   • No Medicaid payback requirement, allowing remaining funds to pass to other family members or charities.

We will explain the differences, guide you through the setup process, and ensure your trust meets all legal requirements. Once the trust is in place, we can also provide guidance for its ongoing administration, ensuring that distributions are handled in a manner that protects benefits.

Additional Planning Tools

While special needs trusts are often the cornerstone, other legal options can complement your plan:

• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities, which can be used alongside a trust for certain qualified expenses.
• Guardianship and Decision-Making Arrangements: Planning for who will make financial or medical decisions if the individual cannot do so.
• Letter of Intent: A non-binding document that communicates your loved one’s daily routines, preferences, and care instructions to future caregivers.

Each family’s situation is different, and we will help you determine which combination of tools best fits your goals. For many, the right solution combines long-term legal protection with practical steps to make everyday life easier.

Our Approach at E.A. Goodman Law

We see special needs planning as a way to provide lasting support and stability for the people who matter most to you. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your priorities, and design a plan that reflects your values. Families throughout Cedar Knolls and New Jersey turn to us because we offer:

• Experience: Years of working with New Jersey families on trusts and estate planning matters.
• Compassion: A genuine commitment to protecting your loved one’s dignity and quality of life.
• Clarity: We explain your options in plain language, so you can make informed choices with confidence.

We also coordinate with financial advisors, care managers, and other professionals to ensure every part of your plan works together. 

How We Can Help You Get Started

The process begins with a conversation. We will:

1. Review your family’s circumstances and the needs of your loved one.
2. Identify the right type of special needs trust and other supporting tools.
3. Draft and execute the trust documents according to your wishes.
4. Provide guidance for ongoing trust administration.

By planning ahead, you can avoid future legal challenges and ensure your loved one’s resources are managed in a way that truly benefits them.

Contact an Experienced Cedar Knolls Special Needs Planning Attorney 

Your loved one’s well-being is too important to leave to chance. With a carefully crafted plan, you can protect their access to benefits, provide for extra comforts and opportunities, and know that your wishes will be honored. At E.A. Goodman Law, we are here to guide you through every step, combining knowledge with understanding to create a plan that works for your family.

Contact our office today to learn how we can help you with special needs planning in Cedar Knolls and throughout New Jersey. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can have the reassurance of knowing you have taken an important step toward protecting your loved one’s future.