Personalized Attention For Creating Special Needs Trusts
One of the concerns that our clients have is what trusts and high-value assets will do to an ill or disabled individual’s ability to collect public benefits or be placed on waiting lists for those benefits. That is because under federal and state law, an individual who has more than $2,000 in assets could lose eligibility for benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
As Milwaukee special needs trusts lawyers at Becker, Hickey & Poster, S.C., we help our clients establish trusts and estate planning documents to manage an inheritance, personal injury settlement proceeds, property division in divorce or other forms of compensation for injuries for disabled individuals. Our small-firm atmosphere helps us take the time to address each of our clients’ unique concerns, especially when they are dealing with significant assets or trusts.
Protecting Assets And Public Benefits Through Special Needs Trusts Or Pooled Trusts
Special needs trusts and pooled trusts provide our clients with a means to preserve assets for themselves or disabled family members, while enabling the disabled beneficiary to remain eligible for benefits. This is because assets in a special needs trust are not counted as assets or income, unlike traditional trusts such as revocable living trusts and standard support trusts.
Beyond the standard special needs trust that can be set up by working with an attorney and appointing a trustee yourself, Wisconsin Pooled & Community Trusts, Inc. (WisPACT) also provides options through what is known as a “pooled trust.” A pooled trust involves a nonprofit organization that pools together assets in trust funds to invest. These funds are managed by a trustee that the organization chooses, and safeguards the money while allowing those funds to be put to good use in investments for the benefit of members.
Pooled trusts are particularly valuable for clients who do not have a lot of assets, cannot find a qualified trustee or are disabled adults over the age of 65.
Our firm can help you understand the various special needs and pooled trust options available to you and your loved ones so that you can make educated decisions regarding the well-being of the individual you care about.
Contact The Waukesha Pooled Trust Lawyers At Becker, Hickey & Poster, S.C.
Our attorneys are well-respected and known throughout Wisconsin for the high-quality representation they provide to individuals in complex legal matters. Contact us online or at 414-454-9102 for assistance.
Spanish language services available.