Special Needs Trust

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You've just celebrated another birthday and your thoughts turn to the light of your life,
the family member who always greets you with a smile,
the one person who needs you more than anyone else,
your teenage daughter who has mental retardation.

What will happen to her when you are not there to take care of her?

Protecting the future of a family member with a disability or mental illness is a challenge many families face.   Special needs trusts can be prepared to help your family in this situation.

The Social Security Act  allows for certain types of trusts to hold the assets of a person with a disability.  With the support of a qualified legal advisor you can create the type of trust that will ensure a safer future for your loved ones with disabilities or mental illness.

The attorneys at Shields and Boris are experts in handling the creation of different types of special needs trusts.  James Shields has been recognized by Achieva, Western Pennsylvania's largest provider of support for people with disabilities, as a resource specializing in trusts for people with disabilities.  His work with families who have loved ones with mental retardation, autism, mental illness and other disabilities is well known in Western Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh.

How can I protect the inheritance of my loved one with autism?

There are specific trusts that can help you make sure your family member is able to enjoy their inheritance including a special needs trust or a supplemental needs trust.  These trusts are created to make sure your beneficiaries with disabilities or mental illness are provided for in the future.  

At Shields and Boris we know Pennsylvania - we are the experts when it comes to protecting your assets and making sure your loved ones get the benefits they deserve.  Contact Shields and Boris and we will help you through the legal maze. Call today:  1-800-879-0984.

How can I give my child with Downs Syndrome their inheritance without disqualifying them from their government benefits?

A properly prepared supplemental needs trust can protect the assets of a physically or mentally disabled person while still allowing them access to government benefits like  Medicaid benefits or long term nursing care benefits.   The Shields and Boris team of Lawyers has over 20 years of experience in Pennsylvania.  We can guide you through these difficult legal issues. 

How can I make sure that my child with a disability can keep our family home and still qualify for Medicaid benefits after I am gone?

When created properly, a trust can allow your child to retain ownership of the family home while still qualifying for government benefits.  Their assets held in "trust" do not count when determining if the person with a disability qualifies for government benefits and services.

Insurance Claims - Will my insurance settlement award disqualify me for Medicaid benefits?

Special needs trusts can be prepared to allow you to hold your assets from an insurance settlement.  These assets would not be considered when evaluating you for Medicaid benefits.  Call Shields and Boris today and we can discuss your options:

Blog for Special Needs Trust


Library for Special Needs Trust:

  • Part 11 of 12 - Facts Every Special Needs Family Must Know About Estate Planning   
    Description: As the parent of a special needs child you and your family confront many challenges. However, securing your child’s financial future doesn’t have to be one of them. Taking the time now to develop a comprehensive financial plan means a secure, comfortable life for your child and piece of mind for you.

    This report is designed to inform families with special needs children about the various kinds of estate plans, suggest the advantages and disadvantages of each, and assist you in identifying the kind of information to gather and share with your lawyer and financial planner.
  • Part 12 of 12 - Facts Every Special Needs Family Must Know About Estate Planning   
    Description: As the parent of a special needs child you and your family confront many challenges. However, securing your child’s financial future doesn’t have to be one of them. Taking the time now to develop a comprehensive financial plan means a secure, comfortable life for your child and piece of mind for you.

    This report is designed to inform families with special needs children about the various kinds of estate plans, suggest the advantages and disadvantages of each, and assist you in identifying the kind of information to gather and share with your lawyer and financial planner.

    You are Your Child’s Biggest and Most Important Advocate
  • Part 9 of 12 Facts Every Special Needs Family Must Know About Estate Planning   
    Description: Call 1-800-879-0984 for a no-obligation review of your plan or come to one of our upcoming special needs seminars. The peace of mind that proper planning for your special needs child gives you will far outweigh any time and expense it takes to get a plan in place. We look forward to working with you and helping you achieve that peace of mind for you and your special needs child.
  • Part 8 of 12 - FACTS EVERY SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY MUST KNOW   
    Description: Call 1-800-879-0984 for a no-obligation review of your plan or come to one of our upcoming special needs seminars. The peace of mind that proper planning for your special needs child gives you will far outweigh any time and expense it takes to get a plan in place. We look forward to working with you and helping you achieve that peace of mind for you and your special needs child.
  • Part 7 of 12 - Facts Every Special Needs Family Should Know About Estate Planning   
  • Part 6 of 12 Facts Every Special Needs Family Must Know About Estate Planning   
    Description: This report is designed to inform families with special needs children about the various kinds of estate plans, suggest the advantages and disadvantages of each, and assist you in identifying the kind of information to gather and share with your lawyer and financial planner.
  • Part 4 of 12 - Facts Every Special Needs Family Must Know About Estate Planning   
    Description: Call 1-800-879-0984 for a no-obligation review of your plan or come to one of our upcoming special needs seminars. Our seminar flyer is enclosed.

    The peace of mind that proper planning for your special needs child gives you will far outweigh any time and expense it takes to get a plan in place. We look forward to working with you and helping you achieve that peace of mind for you and your special needs child.
  • Part 2 of 12 - Facts Every Special Needs Family Should Know About Estate Planning   
    Description: As the parent of a special needs child you and your family confront many challenges. However, securing your child’s financial future doesn’t have to be one of them. Taking the time now to develop a comprehensive financial plan means a secure, comfortable life for your child and piece of mind for you. This report is designed to inform families with special needs children about the various kinds of estate plans, suggest the advantages and disadvantages of each, and assist you in identifying the kind of information to gather and share with your lawyer and financial planner.
  • Important Report - 12 Facts Every Special Needs Family Must Know About Estate Planning   
    Description: As the parent of a special needs child you and your family confront many challenges. However, securing your child's financial future doesn't have to be one of them. Taking the time now to develop a comprehensive financial plan means a secure, comfortable life for your child and piece of mind for you.

    This report is designed to inform families with special needs children about the various kinds of estate plans, suggest the advantages and disadvantages of each, and assist you in identifying the kind of information to gather and share with your lawyer and financial planner.
  • Secure your child’s future with a special needs trust   
    Description: Planning for the care of your special needs child can be an overwhelming task, so much that many parents put it off until it is too late. If you are the parent of a special needs child, take the time to plan for how your child will receive care after you pass away. Estate planning and special needs trusts can be important tools to safeguard the future of your family. To learn how you can protect your assets and your special needs child, please contact the elder and estate law attorneys of Shields and Boris toll-free at 1-800-879-0984.
  • View All


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If you have any questions or would like a free consultation call us toll free at 1 800 879 0984 or send us a message through our website by clicking here and we'll be certain to respond.

Elder Law Offices of Shields and Boris
109 VIP Drive
Suite 200
Wexford, PA 15090
Phone: (724) 934-5044
Toll Free: (800) 879-0984

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Elder Law Offices of Shields and Boris
109 VIP Drive
Suite 200
Wexford, PA 15090
Phone: (724) 934-5044
Toll Free: (800) 879-0984
Get Directions

questions

Special Needs Trust

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