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1609 Cravens Ave.
Torrance, CA 90501


1 800 403-6078


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Special Needs Trusts

Planning for your future and the future of your beneficiaries can be tough, but it can be even harder when planning for persons with disabilities. We understand how challenging it can be for you and your family, especially if this is the first time developing an Estate Plan, that’s why Elder Law Services of California is here to give your family peace of mind for the future.

What is a Special Needs Trust?

A Special Needs Trust enables people who are disabled, either mentally or physically, to receive an inheritance such as a home, life insurance, liquid accounts, etc, without jeopardizing their public benefits. This Estate Planning tool is created for disabled beneficiaries so they can obtain their rightful inheritance while allowing the beneficiary to receive essential needs-based government benefits, such as Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, and etc,.

According to the Institute of Disability, if people with disabilities were a formally recognized minority group, at 19% of the population, they would be the largest minority group in the United States. With its diversity in gender, age, religion, ethnicity, and socioeconomic level, these 1 in 5 Americans lacks representation in Estate Planning. A Special Needs Trust is a device that is highly technical and should only be handled by an attorney, making even the smallest oversight can become a huge burden for the beneficiaries.

There are several types of Special Needs Trusts, the most common of which are self-funded and third-party.

A self-funded (also known as a First Party) Special Needs Trust is typically intended to protect the assets of an individual with a disability. This type of trust must be created by a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian, or by a court, but it cannot be created by the individual. One of the most common applications of a self-funded Special Needs Trust arises when an individual receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SSI is a government program that provides approximately eight million low-income Americans with assistance. In order to qualify, the individual can only have $2,000 in his or her name. If that individual receives excess assets – say, for example, due to an inheritance – he or she may only continue to receive SSI by putting the assets into self-funded Special Needs Trust. Those assets can then be used to supplement the individual’s public benefits during his or her lifetime. Upon death, any funds remaining shall be distributed to the government as repayment for the cost of his or her medical care.

A third-party Special Needs Trust is similar to a self-funded Special Needs Trust in that the purpose is to protect the assets of a disabled beneficiary. Assets can be held in trust so that the beneficiary is not at risk of losing his or her government benefits upon receipt of an inheritance. The main difference between the two trusts is that, upon death, any remaining assets can be distributed to other family members, friends, or charities – thus, the assets pass on through the trust to another individual or entity, rather than being used to reimburse the government.

 

Require a Special Needs Trust?

Don’t wait another day.  A special needs provision that needs to be added to your current trust or included in the trust you are thinking about making should be the first priority. 

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Call Elder Law Services of California today at
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Client Testimonials

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Elder Law Services of California
Good
3.6
Based on 17 reviews
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Gaby gave me necessary and important information. She was charming and very experienced in the field of Elder Law. I highly recommend this firm and want to share the reassurance I received.
Response from the owner: Melissa, thank you so much for the positive review. We look forward to being of service to you again, anytime you need us.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your rating Lisette. Please let us know if and when we might be of further assistance to you.- Robin Montano
I spoke to Robin and Isabel and they have outstanding customer service skills genuinely kind friendly and knowledgeable as to the needs I had ! i recommend elder law services of california 100% for accurate helpful resolutions to real estate and protection of assets for your elderly loved ones
Response from the owner: Momma Joyce, Thank you so much for the positive review, it means a lot to us. Our team works hard to help valuable clients like you and appreciates your generous acknowledgement. It's our sincere pleasure to serve you. Best,Robin M.
My family greatly appreciated the law service that Judd, Sergio and Robin provided my brother and his estate before his passing. They traveled to the hospital, explained everything accurately, expedited the process due to his health and secured my brother's estate. The trust that was generated is securing his whole estate just as he willed. This couldn't have been done any better.
Response from the owner: David, Thank you so much for the positive comment. Our team works hard to help our clients with their legal, Medi-Cal, and Estate Planning needs and always appreciates honest feedback. We're pleased that you are pleased. Best regards to you and yours, Judd, Sergio, Robin and all at Elder Law Services of California
Think of every superlative you know. Got 'em?Now you know my experience with Elder Law Services of California!A lady there, Ms. Montano, is a gem! She opened my eyes to how aLaw Firm can be of enormous help if you contact one like this one!
Response from the owner: George,Thank you so much for the positive comments, you made my day. Our team works hard to help our clients with their legal, Medi-Cal, and estate planning needs and always appreciates honest feedback. We're pleased that you are pleased. Best to you, Robin M.
We went for a living trust and we had very professional service.If you decided to do one, this are the place to do it, thanks 👍
Response from the owner: Thank you Mr. Molina. Just let us know if we can be of additional service.
Friendly staff, when the time comes for me to finalize my affairs, I would recommend this law office
Response from the owner: Thank you for the review Jesse. Just let us know if there's anything we can do for you.
Friendly and professional office
Very helpful ! They really guide you . I am very satisfied and recommend then!!
Very pleased with the assistance my parents received with the drafting of their revocable Living Trust, from Attorney Judd Matsunaga. Will definitely refer to family, friends, and associates.
Top notch! They have done services for my husband and I. Also my mother. My sister will also be using their services.They are caring. Professional. Are quick to answer questions whether by phone or email. The pricing is spot on and they go above and beyond the norm. I love the many locations.They are great communicators and are able to help us past some of the legal jargon. They are also a "teaching" institute. Judd Matsunaga writes articles coaching his readers. AND they conduct many seminars - free of charge!I can't say enough positive things about Elder Law Services of California and I'm one to not write positive feedback unless my statements are true.A++++ all the way! 5 star and more........
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Elder Law Services was very personable and professional! We recommend them to anyone who is in need of Elder Law representation.

Nancy, from Los Angeles CA

Business Owner

“Our family is so thankful for the services provided by Elder Law Services of California. They are completely professional, honest, and courteous throughout my mother’s Medi-Cal application from the beginning to the end. They were with us all the way. We can’t thank you enough.”
Ricardo, from Los Angeles CA

Business Owner

Elder Law Services was extremely informative, detailed, and professional in the completion of our Trust.

Luis,

Retired

“Thank you very much for all your hard work. The best law firm I have ever worked with. They are very thorough with all the documents. Very good job on our complicated case!”
Keith and Ralene, from Hollywood, CA

Family Business Owner, Business Owner

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