Special Needs Trusts: Protect Your Child's Financial Future

Create a special needs trust for a loved one's care and get peace of mind

If you care for a child or other loved one with a disability, you’ve no doubt thought about what will happen when you’re no longer able to give that care. Fortunately, there's a simple solution to this dilemma — create a "special needs trust."

Special Needs Trusts shows you how to leave any amount of money to your disabled loved one — without jeopardizing government benefits. It provides plain-English information and forms that let you create a special needs trust by modifying your will or living trust document.

Funds in a special needs trust can make a big difference in quality of life by paying for:

. annual independent check-ups
. personal care attendant or escort
. vehicles and transportation
. insurance
. rehabilitation
. essential dietary needs
. materials for recreation
. trips or vacations
. entertainment
. athletic training or competitions
. and much more.

Special Needs Trusts also provides a formal letter to the trustee, which explains this very important role, and a personal letter to the trustee, which provides crucial information about your loved one. This edition has been thoroughly revised to reflect the latest changes in the law, including updated eligibility requirements for government benefits, current resources, and an experienced perspective about when to make a special needs trust on your own and when to seek the services of an attorney. Forms are available to download at nolo.com.

Stephen R. Elias is an attorney and former associate publisher at Nolo, as well as current President of the National Bankruptcy Law Project. He is the author of many Nolo books, including The New Bankruptcy. Other titles include Special Needs Trusts and How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. He is also one of the original authors/designers of Nolo's bestselling WillMaker software. Steve holds a law degree from Hastings College of Law and was a practicing attorney in California, New York and Vermont before joining Nolo. He has been featured in such major media as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Good Morning America, 20/20, Money magazine, and more.

Kevin Urbatsch is an attorney and is a principal of the boutique estate planning firm, Myers Urbatsch P.C. in San Francisco, California. He is a nationally recognized expert in the unique planning needs of individuals with disabilities and their families. Mr. Urbatsch is on the advisory board of the national organization, the Academy of Special Needs Planners and is a charter member. He writes and is a frequent lecturer both locally and nationally on planning for persons with disabilities, primarily concerning special needs trust drafting and administration.