Special Needs Planning

A Special Needs Trust is a valuable legal tool that helps safeguard the financial well-being of individuals with disabilities while preserving eligibility for vital public benefits. At Asset Protection & Elder Law Center, our experienced Costa Mesa lawyers understand the unique planning strategies necessary to address your family’s needs. With thoughtful drafting and proper administration, these trusts manage funds for medical care, education, and other essential expenses without compromising benefits such as Supplemental Security Income or Medi-Cal. Whether you are looking to set up a trust to support a child, sibling, or any family member living with special needs, we are here to guide you through each step of the process. By tailoring a plan that reflects your goals and circumstances, we aim to provide peace of mind and long-term financial security. For more information, call (714) 966-2646 to schedule a consultation and begin protecting your loved one’s bright future.

Overview and Purpose of Special Needs Trusts in California

Special Needs Trusts serve as a vital planning vehicle for individuals with disabilities who rely on means-tested public benefits, such as Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). A central concern is that receiving assets outright—whether through inheritance, settlement, or gift—could disqualify a beneficiary from these programs. By placing assets into a Special Needs Trust, the beneficiary does not legally hold or control those assets, helping preserve eligibility for critical government assistance.

In California, Special Needs Trusts must adhere to both federal statutes and the requirements of the California Probate Code to avoid jeopardizing public benefits. The trust is designed to improve the beneficiary’s quality of life by supplementing, rather than replacing, services or payments already provided by government programs. Qualifying expenditures often include specialized medical treatments not covered by insurance, educational pursuits, adaptive equipment, and other supports that enhance well-being.

Special Needs Trusts can hold diverse assets, including real estate, cash, stocks, bonds, and permissible types of personal property, so long as title is correctly transferred into the trust. These trusts operate under multiple rules intended to ensure the beneficiary does not receive direct financial control that would be considered a “countable resource” for SSI or Medi-Cal. Because each beneficiary’s situation is unique, it is essential to craft a trust that meets technical requirements and addresses the person’s specific needs. If you need guidance on creating or updating a trust, consulting with a lawyer in Costa Mesa can help ensure your plan is both effective and compliant.

Creating a Special Needs Trust (Compliance with California Probate Code)

Under the California Probate Code, various pathways exist for establishing Special Needs Trusts. Sometimes parents or family members establish a trust during lifetime, or they might do so under testamentary provisions in a will or living trust. In other scenarios, if the beneficiary has capacity, they might be able to create the trust themselves, but typically for first-party trusts, a parent, grandparent, legal guardian, or court can create it on a beneficiary’s behalf.

To ensure the trust meets the standard required by public benefits programs, the document must often contain “sole benefit” language specifying that the trust is designed for the exclusive benefit of the beneficiary. Courts also look for specific references that align with public benefit requirements. Under California Probate Code §§ 3604 and 3611, a court-created Special Needs Trust may need to include a “payback” clause for reimbursement to the state if it is a first-party arrangement. Families seeking to create or modify a Special Needs Trust might need to engage in a court proceeding—particularly in cases of minors or adults who lack legal capacity—ensuring the trust is properly established under the oversight of the court.

Those planning ahead often structure the trust as a standalone document or as part of a broader living trust. Extended family members can then name the Special Needs Trust as the beneficiary of their own wills or living trusts. By coordinating these plans, relatives ensure that any inheritance does not inadvertently undermine eligibility for Medi-Cal or SSI. Trust creators should confirm that the trust’s language is consistent with current state and federal rules, especially regarding distributions, trustee authority, and payback provisions (if applicable).

A Costa Mesa attorney can provide guidance on the legal requirements for drafting and establishing a Special Needs Trust in California.

First-Party (Self-Settled) vs. Third-Party Special Needs Trusts

In California, Special Needs Trusts fall into two primary categories: first-party (self-settled) and third-party trusts. Each category has different funding sources, statutory requirements, and implications for Medi-Cal reimbursement.

First-Party (Self-Settled) Special Needs Trusts

Sometimes labeled “d4A trusts,” first-party Special Needs Trusts are funded with the beneficiary’s own assets. Common examples include personal injury lawsuit settlements, direct inheritances that were not structured properly, or other property that belongs to the individual with a disability. California law typically requires that the beneficiary be younger than 65 when the trust is established, although limited exceptions may apply. Per California Probate Code requirements, when the beneficiary cannot create the trust due to incapacity, a parent, grandparent, guardian, or a court may establish it through a “substituted judgment petition.” The main purpose is to shelter the beneficiary’s assets so that they do not exceed the resource limits of SSI or Medi-Cal.

A key feature of first-party trusts is the mandatory “payback”: upon the beneficiary’s death, remaining trust assets must be used to reimburse the state for any Medi-Cal expenditures made on the beneficiary’s behalf. California Probate Code §§ 3604 and 3611 discuss the structure and payback requirements for these trusts. Although reimbursement can reduce or eliminate any legacy for the beneficiary’s heirs, the trust usually provides a significant benefit by preserving Medi-Cal coverage for costly treatments, therapies, in-home care, and other services throughout the beneficiary’s lifetime.

Third-Party Special Needs Trusts

A third-party Special Needs Trust, funded by someone other than the beneficiary, does not carry the same mandatory payback obligation. The person establishing the trust—often a parent or other relative—transfers their own assets into it, either during life or upon death through a testamentary instrument. Because the assets initially never belonged to the beneficiary, the payback requirement does not apply. After the beneficiary passes away, any remaining balance can flow to other family members or designated beneficiaries, as specified in the trust document.

Third-party trusts offer flexibility in design, allowing families to define distribution provisions and trustee discretion while adhering to state and federal rules that preserve Medi-Cal and SSI. They can exist as standalone irrevocable trusts or as subtrusts within a revocable living trust, depending on the creators’ preferences. The arrangement should detail the exact scope of permissible distributions to ensure ongoing eligibility for means-tested government programs. Just like first-party trusts, the language must make clear that funds are for the beneficiary’s supplemental needs rather than basic support covered by public benefits.

Court and Statutory Requirements in California

Court approval often comes into play for first-party trusts and for beneficiaries who are minors or lack legal capacity. Under California Probate Code § 3604, a court can authorize the creation of a Special Needs Trust for a minor or an incapacitated adult. The parties petitioning the court typically present evidence that the trust’s formation will preserve the beneficiary’s Medi-Cal or SSI, is consistent with the beneficiary’s best interests, and aligns with statutory guidelines.

Substituted Judgment Petitions

When an adult beneficiary is under conservatorship, the conservator may use a substituted judgment petition to create or fund a Special Needs Trust on behalf of the conservatee. This petition includes detailed information on the beneficiary’s assets, existing or anticipated public benefits, and how the proposed trust will maintain eligibility. The petition must also specifically address payback language if the trust is first-party. Once a judge reviews the petition and any supporting documentation, the court may issue an order authorizing the trust’s creation, specifying trustee responsibilities, and requiring periodic accountings to the court.

Guardian or Conservator Oversight

For minors, guardians can petition the court to transfer settlement proceeds or other funds into a first-party Special Needs Trust. Again, the petition explains why the trust is necessary to retain Medi-Cal or SSI, preventing a minor’s direct ownership of funds that would trigger ineligibility. If approved, the guardian remains accountable to the court for trust administration, which might include filing periodic accountings or reports. Each county in California can have its own local rules requiring certain forms, notices, or hearing procedures, so families should be prepared for variations in court practices. An attorney in Costa Mesa can help navigate these court and statutory requirements to ensure compliance.

Trustee Selection and the Uniform Prudent Investor Act

Trustee choice remains one of the most critical aspects of forming a Special Needs Trust. Trustees have broad responsibilities, including managing trust assets, investing prudently, making distributions consistent with SSI and Medi-Cal rules, and maintaining accurate records. In California, trustees are also bound by the Uniform Prudent Investor Act (UPIA), codified in Probate Code §§ 16045-16054. The UPIA requires the trustee to invest and manage trust assets with reasonable care, skill, and caution. Key considerations include the beneficiary’s specific financial needs, prevailing market conditions, diversification of assets, liquidity requirements, and the trust’s overall objectives.

Individual vs. Professional Trustees

Some families name a trusted relative or friend as trustee because that person already knows the beneficiary’s immediate needs and circumstances. However, serving as a trustee can be time-consuming and demands familiarity with complex regulations. A professional fiduciary or corporate trustee may be more adept at navigating the labyrinth of SSI, Medi-Cal, and tax rules. Professional trustees also provide continuity, which can be valuable when the beneficiary’s trust is expected to last for many years.

Trustee Responsibilities

Whether an individual or professional trustee is chosen, that trustee must fulfill numerous duties:

• Investment Management: The UPIA’s prudent investor standard means selecting suitable investments, monitoring portfolio performance, and adjusting strategies as needed.
• Accounting and Recordkeeping: Trustees are expected to maintain detailed records of all transactions, receipts, distributions, and statements. In some situations, annual or regular accounting to the court is mandatory.
• Adhering to SSI and Medi-Cal Distribution Rules: The trustee must distinguish between allowable supplemental expenditures and those considered income or resources for means-tested benefits.
• Engaging Professionals: Many trustees hire accountants to handle tax returns and attorneys to ensure trust actions comply with California and federal law.
• Successor Trustee Planning: The trust document should identify a successor trustee or mechanism for appointing one if the current trustee can no longer serve.

Trustee Compensation

California law generally permits reasonable trustee compensation. If the trust document does not specify a fee schedule, trustees typically look to local probate rules or standard practices for guidance. In many California counties, trustees submit fee requests for court approval if the trust is under ongoing court supervision. Compensation can be calculated as a percentage of the trust’s assets, an hourly rate, or a combination of methods, depending on the arrangement.

Distribution Guidelines and Avoiding SSI Pitfalls

A fundamental principle of Special Needs Trust administration is that distributions must be used in ways that supplement, not supplant, the beneficiary’s existing government benefits. The Social Security Administration monitors trust distributions to identify “in-kind support and maintenance” (ISM). When money from the trust pays for food or shelter, it can reduce a beneficiary’s SSI award. Medi-Cal also has rules for treating trust disbursements, although there can be differences in how Medi-Cal and SSI evaluate resources or income.

Permissible Distributions

Generally, distributions that do not affect SSI include:

• Out-of-pocket medical or dental costs beyond what Medi-Cal or insurance covers.
• Therapy or education costs, including alternative therapies or specialized programs.
• One-time adaptations or improvements to the beneficiary’s residence, like wheelchair ramps.
• Transportation expenses, such as a vehicle purchase or modifications to accommodate a disability.
• Assistive technology (hearing aids, communication devices, mobility equipment).
• Leisure, cultural, or entertainment activities that enhance the beneficiary’s quality of life (trips, hobbies, computer equipment), as long as the trust pays vendors directly.

Handling Food or Shelter Expenses

If the trustee chooses to help with rent, utility payments, or groceries, the beneficiary’s SSI might be reduced. However, the beneficiary does not always lose eligibility entirely. The potential reduction is often limited to a specific portion of the monthly SSI benefit. In some instances, it could still be worthwhile to allow the trust to cover those basic items, particularly if it substantially improves the beneficiary’s living conditions and the overall trade-off is advantageous. Trustees often weigh such decisions thoughtfully and consult with professionals to avoid unintended disruptions to public benefits. A Costa Mesa lawyer can provide valuable advice for trustees navigating these important decisions.

Tax Considerations for Special Needs Trusts

Though Special Needs Trusts are not primarily designed for tax advantages, they do present tax-related questions. Trusts are taxed under compressed federal trust income tax brackets if the trust is structured as a taxable entity. Some Special Needs Trusts can be granted “qualified disability trust” status, offering slightly better tax treatment if the beneficiary meets certain criteria. Additionally, if a trust accumulates income rather than distributing it, it can face higher tax rates than an individual might. Trustees must track income, deductions, and credits to accurately prepare the trust’s annual tax return (Form 1041).

Gift and estate tax issues can arise when third parties fund a Special Needs Trust. While federal law allows certain gifts to be excluded from the annual gift tax limit, families should remain aware that significant contributions might affect the donor’s lifetime exemptions. Moreover, once the beneficiary passes away, if it is a first-party Special Needs Trust, the remaining assets may be subject to both Medi-Cal payback and potential estate tax consequences depending on the value of the beneficiary’s and donor’s combined estates.

Given these complexities, many families work with an accountant or tax professional well-versed in trust taxation to ensure proper reporting and to explore strategies to minimize tax burdens. The trustee, as a fiduciary, typically has the authority to engage professionals to help navigate these requirements.

Retirement Assets, the SECURE Act, and Special Needs Trusts

An increasingly common scenario is naming a Special Needs Trust as the beneficiary of a retirement account such as an IRA or 401(k). Federal legislation, including the SECURE Act, affects the timing and manner of distributions from inherited retirement plans. In general, non-eligible designated beneficiaries must withdraw inherited retirement assets within ten years of the original account holder’s death. However, a Special Needs Trust beneficiary may qualify as an eligible designated beneficiary if structured correctly, delaying mandatory payouts to the trust over the beneficiary’s lifetime rather than the shortened period.

For California families, ensuring that the language in the Special Needs Trust meets the criteria for a “see-through” trust under Internal Revenue Service guidelines can preserve a more extended payout schedule. While state law does not govern these federal retirement plan distribution rules, the trust’s design must align with federal requirements to protect slower distribution options and the beneficiary’s public benefits. Attorneys often draft special “accumulation” or “conduit” provisions in the trust to comply with federal regulations and maintain the beneficiary’s eligibility for Medi-Cal and SSI.

Medi-Cal Payback in First-Party Trusts

When a first-party trust is used, the state has a claim against any assets left after the beneficiary’s death. The California Department of Health Care Services can request reimbursement for the amounts Medi-Cal paid out during the beneficiary’s lifetime. Potentially, this payback can be substantial if the beneficiary had extensive healthcare needs. Nevertheless, many families view first-party trusts as a necessity to ensure that their loved one can continue receiving crucial services, especially if large personal assets or settlement proceeds threaten ongoing eligibility.

Upon the beneficiary’s passing, the trustee generally notifies the Department of Health Care Services and calculates the total distributions that Medi-Cal furnished. After paying back the state’s claim, any remaining funds follow the trust’s remainder instructions, if any remain. If the payback claim consumes the entire residue, no assets pass to heirs. Despite this limitation, the trust may have saved the beneficiary from losing benefits or paying medical expenses out of pocket.

If you have questions about the payback process for first-party trusts, consider speaking with a lawyer in Costa Mesa to discuss your options.

Pooled Special Needs Trusts

Pooled Special Needs Trusts, run by nonprofit organizations, offer a path for beneficiaries who have modest assets or do not have a suitable individual to serve as trustee. When a beneficiary places funds into a pooled trust, an individual sub-account is established within a larger portfolio. Because administrative expenses are spread across multiple participants, fees might be lower than for a standalone trust. The nonprofit organization serving as trustee typically has experience in providing distributions that comply with SSI and Medi-Cal rules. These trusts can be either first-party or third-party depending on who contributes the funds.

One of the distinctions of pooled arrangements is how remaining assets are treated upon the beneficiary’s death. Certain pooled trusts may retain part of the sub-account for the nonprofit’s charitable purposes, while distributing any remaining portion to designated heirs. Others might require that all residual assets stay with the nonprofit. Families evaluating pooled trust options should investigate the specifics of each program’s fee structure, payback policies, and distribution guidelines.

Coordinating ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts

ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts complement Special Needs Trusts by allowing beneficiaries to hold funds without forfeiting eligibility for SSI or Medi-Cal, up to certain limits. Contributions to ABLE accounts are capped annually and, in California, the total account balance has certain upper limits for SSI beneficiaries. However, ABLE funds can be spent more openly on “qualified disability expenses,” which often include food and shelter, without triggering the same impact on SSI that a distribution from a Special Needs Trust might have.

Because ABLE accounts are generally easier to access for day-to-day expenses, families often use the Special Needs Trust to fund an ABLE account, subject to the annual contribution caps. This arrangement lets the beneficiary enjoy greater autonomy in paying for items such as groceries or utility bills while keeping trust distributions structured to avoid direct cash transfers. ABLE accounts also carry a Medicaid payback provision upon the account holder’s death, akin to a first-party trust, though rules vary slightly from state to state. Balancing the flexibility of an ABLE account with the broader protection of a Special Needs Trust can be a powerful strategy in California.

Practical Administration, Recordkeeping, and Avoiding Pitfalls

Effective administration of a Special Needs Trust requires careful planning, attention to detail, and continuous diligence. Trustees should create a systematic approach to maintain compliance with court rulings, the Uniform Prudent Investor Act, SSI regulations, and Medi-Cal guidelines.

Recordkeeping Practices

• Keep thorough records of each distribution, including receipts, invoices, or proof of purchase.
• Track income the trust earns, whether from investments, rent, or other sources, to accurately report taxes on the trust’s Form 1041.
• Document communications with SSI or Medi-Cal agencies, if any, especially if clarifications about distributions are requested.
• Retain statements from financial institutions, preferably separate accounts maintained solely for the trust’s assets. Mixing trust assets with personal funds is prohibited and can lead to allegations of fiduciary breaches.

Periodic Accountings and Court Oversight

• If the trust is court-supervised, expect to file regular accountings (often every one or two years, though local rules vary). These accountings detail all trust transactions, fees, and investments.
• A petition for approval of fees or distributions may be necessary in certain counties, especially for minors or conservatees.
• Court involvement can lengthen administrative timelines, so trustees should plan accordingly.

Professional Advisors

• An attorney familiar with California estate planning and probate can clarify evolving rules and handle any court petitions.
• A tax professional or CPA can address complex filing requirements, trust income taxation, and potential gift or estate tax implications.
• A financial advisor can help the trustee develop an investment plan compliant with the UPIA, ensuring prudent management and diversification.
• Hiring reputable advisors supports a trustee’s fiduciary duty under California law, which expects a trustee to seek expert guidance when specialized knowledge is required.

Preventing Common Mistakes

• Making direct cash distributions to the beneficiary can risk SSI ineligibility or reductions. Trust resources should typically be paid directly to vendors for goods and services.
• Paying the beneficiary’s rent or food bills can reduce SSI, so weigh whether the benefit gained is worth the possible SSI decrease.
• Neglecting to update the trust after major life changes—moving to a new state, beneficiary’s change in marital status, or significant asset acquisitions—can cause disruptions in public benefit eligibility.
• Failing to keep the trust document current with changing laws or regulations can undermine the trust’s purpose. Trustees and planners should schedule periodic reviews and updates as necessary.

A Costa Mesa attorney can provide valuable guidance on trust administration and compliance with state regulations.

Integrating Special Needs Trusts into a Broader Estate Plan

Families often create Special Needs Trusts as part of a comprehensive estate plan rather than as a standalone instrument. Other documents—wills, living trusts, durable powers of attorney, and advance health care directives—should coordinate to ensure consistent instructions. For instance, a will that references a testamentary Special Needs Trust should not unintentionally leave assets to the beneficiary outside of that arrangement. Similarly, beneficiary designations for life insurance policies, retirement accounts, or annuities should be examined to ensure they name the Special Needs Trust whenever appropriate.

Retirement accounts are a particular area of concern under the SECURE Act rules. The trust must be drafted to qualify as a “see-through” entity, which can give the beneficiary the advantage of a more extended payout period if the beneficiary is considered an eligible designated beneficiary. Without careful drafting, the trust could be forced to withdraw funds within a much shorter timeframe, potentially causing higher income tax liability and risking overspending that disrupts benefit eligibility.

When to Update the Trust

California law and its interpretation by various administrative agencies can evolve. The Social Security Administration periodically issues new guidance on how trusts are treated, and Medi-Cal rules can change as well. Periodic reviews of the trust and related documents are beneficial to ensure they remain compliant and fulfill the family’s objectives. These reviews can detect potential conflicts with updated laws, highlight changes in the beneficiary’s health care or housing needs, and allow for timely amendments if the trust’s terms need adjustment.

Importance of Consistent Reviews and Ongoing Compliance

A well-drafted California Special Needs Trust, combined with an appropriate trustee and a thorough administrative protocol, can serve the beneficiary’s needs for many years. Still, the legal environment is dynamic. California has amended its Medi-Cal rules in the past, and federal laws, such as SSI regulations or tax statutes, can shift. Consequently, ensuring the trust remains effective calls for regular reviews.

Review Frequency

Some families or trustees arrange annual or biennial check-ins to assess the beneficiary’s needs, recalibrate investment strategies under the UPIA, update distribution protocols, and address any new legal developments. These scheduled reviews also provide a chance to confirm that all supporting legal documents, such as powers of attorney or advanced health directives, remain comprehensive and accurate. If the creator’s circumstances change—such as the passing of a family member who was a potential future contributor to the trust—revisions may be necessary.

Adapting to Legislative Updates

• Monitor changes in federal SSI regulations regarding what constitutes income or a resource.
• Stay attuned to revisions in the California Probate Code, tax laws, or rules on Medi-Cal eligibility.
• Consult with professionals if the beneficiary relocates to another state, since Medicaid programs are state-specific, and different jurisdictions can impose their own trust limitations.

Additional Considerations and Flexibility in Drafting

Language in the Special Needs Trust must be precise to satisfy California’s probate requirements and federal benefit rules. If the trust is too vague or incorrectly grants the beneficiary direct ownership or control, government agencies may view the trust assets as a countable resource. Likewise, if the trustee has too much discretion to make impermissible distributions for food, utilities, or other basic support, that can trigger reductions in SSI or disqualification from Medi-Cal.

Often, families incorporate clarity into the trust by including “no right to demand principal or income” clauses, ensuring the beneficiary cannot unilaterally access assets. Many trusts also specify that distributions are solely at the trustee’s discretion, in conjunction with the beneficiary’s care plan or other guidelines. This structure prevents the beneficiary from being deemed to hold or control trust assets. Nonetheless, the trustee should remain mindful of the day-to-day implications of each distribution, balancing practical needs against benefit limitations.

Retained Flexibility

In some third-party trusts, the settlor (the person creating and funding the trust) can build in “trust protector” or amendment provisions that allow modifications to the trust over time without court involvement. This can be extremely helpful if laws change or if the beneficiary’s needs evolve drastically. The trust protector, if designated, might have limited powers to revise distribution standards, replace trustees, or handle other administrative matters. This layer of flexibility can prevent the necessity of repeated court petitions. An attorney in Costa Mesa can help ensure your Special Needs Trust is tailored to your family’s unique requirements while remaining compliant with relevant laws.

Working with a Team of Advisors

While it is possible for individuals to draft and administer a Special Needs Trust without guidance, the overlapping legal, fiduciary, and tax obligations are substantial. Many families find it beneficial to work with multiple advisors:

• Estate Planning Attorney: Ensures the trust is drafted according to California Probate Code, meets Medi-Cal and SSI requirements, references the correct sections for payback provisions (if necessary), and coordinates the trust with the family’s overall estate plan.
• Tax Professional: Addresses federal and state tax filings, trust income issues, estate tax considerations, and the implications of the SECURE Act for retirement assets.
• Financial Advisor: Guides the trustee in implementing an investment plan under the Uniform Prudent Investor Act. Monitors the portfolio’s performance to make certain the trust’s assets remain productive without incurring unnecessary risk.
• Care Coordinator or Social Worker: Assesses the beneficiary’s evolving needs, helps outline care plans, and communicates any changes requiring trust distributions.

Final Thoughts on Long-Term Trust Management

By maintaining strict adherence to California laws and SSI/Medi-Cal guidelines, a Special Needs Trust can secure a higher quality of life for the beneficiary. The trustee, armed with knowledge of permissible distributions and prudent investing methods, can provide a reliable safety net. Although first-party trusts include Medi-Cal payback requirements and can end up recouping large sums for the state, they often remain the only means for a beneficiary to retain eligibility while still benefiting from personal assets.

Third-party trusts allow parents, relatives, or friends to fund a trust that can help a beneficiary throughout their lifetime, free of a mandatory state payback obligation. Coupled with planning strategies involving ABLE accounts or potential retirement-based distributions under the SECURE Act, the beneficiary can benefit in multifaceted ways, without sacrificing public benefits. Proactive measures—like referencing California Probate Code provisions (including §§ 3604, 3611, and UPIA §§ 16045-16054), addressing tax implications, and implementing thorough recordkeeping—help create a stable, legally sound framework.

A well-managed Special Needs Trust in California is not a static plan. As the beneficiary’s needs change or the laws evolve, the trust should be revisited to confirm that it fulfills its overarching purpose: delivering supplemental support that optimizes the beneficiary’s life while ensuring the continuity of vital public benefits. Through diligent drafting, conscientious trustee oversight, and timely updates, families can confidently maintain an enduring source of support for their loved one.

Let Us Help You Pursue Your Goals

At Asset Protection & Elder Law Center, we realize that every family has unique concerns about preserving resources for individuals with special needs. With experienced lawyers in Costa Mesa, we are committed to creating solutions that align with state and federal requirements, ensuring that your loved one’s future is safeguarded. By establishing a well-drafted Special Needs Trust, your family can enjoy peace of mind, knowing you have taken steps to protect eligibility for important public benefits. Our personalized approach means we take time to learn about your family’s circumstances before recommending the trust structure and provisions that match your goals. Whether you need guidance on first-party or third-party trusts, incorporating retirement assets, or ongoing administration requirements, our firm stands ready to serve. Contact us at (714) 966-2646 to discuss how we can help integrate a Special Needs Trust into a broader plan, ensuring lasting support, financial security, and overall well-being.