Bellevue Special Needs Planning Attorney

Dedicated to Working with Individuals with Special Needs

Planning for the future of a loved one with special needs is both a legal and emotional journey. If you are the parent of a child with disabilities, your family may encounter some unique legal challenges in the future, particularly when your child transitions into adulthood. At Kirschner Rychlick PLLC, our Bellevue special needs planning team is committed to providing exceptional and compassionate legal support, so you can continue to care for your special needs child and plan for their future.

We understand the importance of creating comprehensive plans that not only protect your loved one’s financial security but also ensure their well-being and quality of life. Our experienced Bellevue special needs planning attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way, crafting tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of your family.

Reach out to our Bellevue special needs planning lawyers today at (206) 203-8802 to schedule a consult and learn more about what we can do to help you and your family.

Why Special Needs Planning is Important

Your loved one will need care and assistance even after you are gone, so special needs planning will ensure that your loved one is protected. Disabled persons tend to encounter a lot of difficulties when it comes to basic money management, so even if you left a large sum of assets without disrupting any benefits, it would still not be the best way to care for your loved one.

Special needs planning will help protect your loved one’s benefits and inheritance as well. The trustee you choose will be bound by the terms you set forth and will continue to provide your loved one with financial guidance and advice after you pass away. Ultimately, through special needs planning, you will continue to have a positive effect on your loved one’s life for many years to come.

Your disabled loved one relies on you for all of their needs, so this is one way to ensure they are properly cared for if anything were to happen to you. Let our team provide the strategic planning and advice you need to feel at ease regarding your loved one’s future.

Why Special Needs Planning is Essential

Special needs planning is about more than managing assets; it’s about securing the long-term care, independence, and quality of life of a loved one with disabilities. Without proper planning, your loved one could risk losing access to vital government benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, which are often crucial for their care.

Key Goals of Special Needs Planning:

• Preserve Eligibility for Benefits: Ensure your loved one continues to qualify for government assistance.
• Provide for Future Care: Allocate resources to meet long-term care and living expenses.
• Establish Guardianship or Advocacy: Appoint trusted individuals to make decisions if necessary.
• Avoid Family Conflict: Clarify your intentions and prevent disputes over your loved one’s care.

Our Special Needs Planning Services

At Kirschner Rychlick PLLC, we offer a range of services tailored to address the complexities of special needs planning:

1. Special Needs Trusts (SNTs)

A special needs trust allows you to provide financial support to your loved one without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. We can help you establish:

• First-Party SNTs: Funded with the individual’s own assets, such as a personal injury settlement or inheritance.
• Third-Party SNTs: Created and funded by parents, grandparents, or other third parties to benefit the individual.
• Pooled Trusts: Managed by nonprofit organizations, providing a cost-effective option for families.

2. Guardianship and Conservatorship

We assist families in obtaining legal authority to make decisions for a loved one who cannot advocate for themselves, ensuring their best interests are always prioritized.

3. Letter of Intent

A letter of intent provides a roadmap for future caregivers, detailing your loved one’s preferences, medical history, daily routines, and goals.

4. Estate Planning Integration

We ensure that your overall estate plan—including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney—is aligned with your special needs planning objectives.

5. Advocacy and Resources

Beyond legal services, we connect families with local resources, financial planners, and support organizations to ensure a holistic approach to care.

Why Choose Kirschner Rychlick PLLC?

• Experienced Advocates: We specialize in the nuanced field of special needs planning, ensuring your loved one’s needs are fully addressed.
• Personalized Solutions: No two families are alike, and we take the time to understand your specific concerns and goals.
• Compassionate Support: We approach every case with empathy, helping you navigate complex decisions with confidence and care.
• Comprehensive Planning: Our team ensures that your loved one’s financial, legal, and personal needs are seamlessly integrated into a single, robust plan.

Contact Our Bellevue Special Needs Planning Law Firm to Schedule an Estate Planning Consult Today!

If you have a special needs child or a disabled loved one, the special needs planning team at Kirschner Rychlick PLLC in Bellevue can provide the knowledgeable legal guidance you need to safeguard their future and ensure they are cared for even when you are no longer around. You can feel confident in our team’s ability to provide the compassionate legal support you need, so you can create a plan that achieves your unique goals and gives you peace of mind.

Reach out to our law office today at (206) 203-8802 to request a consult with a member of our team to find out more about what we can do to assist you with special needs planning.

FAQs About Special Needs Planning

What is a Special Needs Trust, and how does it work?

A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a legal tool that allows you to provide financial support to a loved one with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for government benefits. Funds in the trust can be used for supplemental expenses like education, transportation, and recreational activities, but not for basic needs covered by SSI or Medicaid.

Why can’t I leave money directly to my loved one?

Directly inheriting money or assets can disqualify your loved one from means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. These programs have strict income and asset limits. By placing the funds in a special needs trust, you can provide for your loved one without risking their eligibility.

When should I start special needs planning?

It’s never too early to start planning. Life is unpredictable, and having a plan in place ensures your loved one’s future is secure, even if you’re no longer able to care for them.

Can a special needs trust be used for anything?

Funds in a special needs trust can be used for expenses that enhance the individual’s quality of life, such as therapy, transportation, education, and entertainment. However, the funds cannot be used for basic needs like food and shelter if the individual is receiving SSI, as this could reduce their benefits.

Who should I choose as a trustee for the special needs trust?

The trustee is responsible for managing the trust and ensuring funds are used appropriately. You may choose a trusted family member, a professional trustee, or a corporate fiduciary. It’s essential to select someone with financial expertise and a deep understanding of your loved one’s needs.

How does guardianship differ from a special needs trust?

Guardianship involves legal authority to make personal, medical, or financial decisions for an individual who cannot do so independently. A special needs trust, on the other hand, is a financial tool to manage assets for the individual’s benefit. Both can be integral parts of a comprehensive special needs plan.

What happens if my loved one outlives the special needs trust?

If the trust is a first-party trust, any remaining funds are typically used to reimburse Medicaid for care provided during the individual’s lifetime. For third-party trusts, the remaining funds are distributed to contingent beneficiaries, as specified in the trust document.