At the Victor Law Firm as Long Island special needs attorneys, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, effective plans for families with special needs children. Our firm’s founder, Ellen Victor, is herself the mother of a special needs child. If you are struggling to raise a child with a physical, mental or developmental disability, we understand what you are going through and can help you cope with the many financial, social and medical issues involved. We can show you ways to obtain the assistance you need now, and ensure your special needs child will be well cared for after you are gone or are no longer able to serve as the primary caregiver yourself. We can also alleviate your concerns about protecting your child’s eligibility for Medicaid, SSI and other government benefits; find residential options and the means to finance them; and help you address the planning needs of other members of your family.
We take a highly personalized approach to helping you accomplish goals like these. We begin by listening closely to you, so that we can gain a thorough understanding of your top priorities and overall family objectives. Then, we analyze your current financial situation to determine what benefits are available in light of your specific situation, and what legal strategies we can use to maximize these benefits today and prepare for the future care of your special needs child tomorrow. Finally, we will use our experience, knowledge of the law and close relationships with numerous private and public agencies to secure your financial assistance and implement your plan.
Special Needs Trusts
Special needs trusts, also known as Supplemental needs trusts, are among the most powerful tools we can put to work on your behalf. While there are many different types of special needs trusts, in general they seek to maintain a special needs child’s eligibility for means tested government assistance programs, including Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), while at the same time creating a fund to supplement the services and/or care not provided by means tested programs.
It is important to note that the care requirements for a special needs child change over time. So, too, do, the financial resources of the special needs child’s family, and the laws governing eligibility and the benefits available. A well-designed special needs trust, and overall special needs plan, must take into account the possibility of such changes, and should only be created by an experienced special needs planning attorney. The consequences of a poorly designed plan can be loss of essential benefits, and subsequently, loss of access to desired levels of care and the opportunity for the best possible quality of life for the special needs individual. Please contact us as soon as possible to learn more about how we can help you and your special needs loved one.
Contact us at your earliest convenience to schedule a personal meeting