Special Needs Planning

Virginia Elder Law, Ron Feinman, elder law firm, helps clients analyze and assess their family's current and future potential needs, taking into account not only the family's financial resources, but the family's interpersonal dynamics.

Attorneys also help clients maintain or qualify for Medicaid or the design and crafting of a Special Needs Trust.

A Special Needs Trust is developed to manage resources for a person with a disability (physical or mental) while maintaining the individual's eligibility for public assistance benefits. The family leaves whatever resources it deems appropriate to the trust and the trust is managed by a trustee on behalf of the person with the disability. The Special Needs Trust can pay for needs that go beyond food, shelter, and clothing and the medical support services of Medicaid.  The Special Needs Trust would be set up to supplement, not replace public benefits.

Attorneys knowledgeable about Special Needs Trusts and current government benefit programs can guide you on whether to begin the trust now or wait.