Fort Lauderdale Attorney Helping Your Child’s Future With A Special Needs Trust

If you have a child with a disability, planning for their future care and financial security can feel overwhelming. A special needs trust gives you the peace of mind that your child will be provided for – even when you’re no longer there to do it yourself.

We help families in Fort Lauderdale create special needs trusts that protect access to essential government benefits while allowing parents or loved ones to contribute funds for future needs. These trusts are designed to support your child without disrupting eligibility for programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income.

What Is A Third-Party Special Needs Trust?

A third-party special needs trust is funded with assets from someone other than the person with a disability – typically a parent or grandparent. It’s commonly used as part of a broader estate planning strategy to provide lifelong support without putting access to government funds at risk.

With a special needs trust, you can:

• Contribute gifts, inheritances or trust funds over time
• Ensure the money is used for quality-of-life expenses not covered by public benefits
• Avoid probate and ensure trust administration stays in trusted hands
• Preserve long-term asset protection for your child’s care

We’ll work with you to create a trust that fits your child’s unique needs, lifestyle and support system.

Do You Pay Taxes On A Special Needs Trust?

It depends on the trust’s structure. In most cases, a third-party special needs trust is treated as a separate tax entity. As your lawyer, We’ll help you understand how taxes may apply in your situation and what steps you can take to plan accordingly.

How Long Does It Take To Set Up A Special Needs Trust?

The process usually takes a few weeks, depending on your situation and the complexity of your estate. We’ll guide you through each step and make sure the documents are prepared correctly.

Does A Special Needs Trust Affect Social Security Benefits?

No. When structured properly, a special needs trust does not count as an available asset and will not affect your child’s eligibility for Social Security or Medicaid benefits.

Call Me, And Let’s Plan Together

Your child’s future deserves careful planning. Call Jennifer D. Sharpe, P.A., at 954-361-9449 or fill out our online form to speak with a Fort Lauderdale special needs trusts attorney. We’ll help you build a trust that gives your child security, independence and the support they need for years to come.