Planning for the future is important for every family—but when you have a loved one with a disability, the stakes are even higher. Every decision you make today can directly shape their quality of life tomorrow. At Lee Law Office, we help families in Omaha and across Nebraska develop thoughtful, comprehensive plans that protect their loved ones while preserving their access to important public benefits.
Why Special Needs Planning Matters
Government programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid are often essential for individuals with disabilities. However, these programs have strict financial limits—and a traditional inheritance could unintentionally disqualify your loved one from receiving the support they need.
That’s why careful planning is so important. A well-structured estate plan can help ensure your child or family member is protected financially and emotionally—without compromising their eligibility for critical benefits.
What Is a Special Needs Trust?
A Special Needs Trust is a legal tool that allows you to leave assets to a person with a disability in a way that supports their quality of life while preserving their eligibility for government aid. These trusts are designed specifically to provide supplemental support for things like:
- Personal care attendants
- Transportation
- Education and enrichment
- Housing expenses
- Therapy and medical services not covered by Medicaid
- Travel, hobbies, and recreation
Unlike a direct inheritance, assets in a properly designed Special Needs Trust are not counted against the beneficiary’s resource limits for public benefits.
How to Set Up a Special Needs Trust
Creating a Special Needs Trust is a powerful way to secure your loved one’s future—but it requires careful planning. Our team will walk you through each step, helping you make thoughtful decisions about:
Choosing a Guardian
If your child or dependent may need long-term care and support, you’ll want to designate a trusted individual who understands their needs, values, and daily routines. This decision is about more than legal guardianship—it’s about emotional and physical security.
Naming a Trustee
The trustee is responsible for managing the assets in the trust and ensuring they are used for your loved one’s benefit. This person or institution should be financially responsible, well-organized, and committed to following your instructions.
Writing Clear Instructions
You know your family member better than anyone. That’s why we help you include guidance about:
- Housing preferences
- Educational goals
- Religious or cultural values
- Emotional and social needs
- Medical and therapeutic considerations
These details help ensure the trust supports not just their survival—but their happiness, dignity, and well-being.
Your Family Deserves Peace of Mind
At Lee Law Office, we take a holistic approach to special needs planning. We understand that this isn’t just about legal documents—it’s about protecting someone you love.
Our role is to help you:
- Navigate complex eligibility rules
- Protect public benefit access
- Maximize your loved one’s independence
- Minimize stress for the rest of your family
- Lay the groundwork for lifelong security
We’ll work closely with you to build a plan that balances financial protection with the personal care and love your family member deserves.
Start Planning Today
If you have a child or family member with a disability, now is the time to create a plan that honors their future. Lee Law Office is here to help you build that plan with compassion, clarity, and confidence.
Call (402) 934-4409 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Let’s build a future that gives your loved one the opportunity to thrive—no matter what lies ahead.
