Special Needs Trust Attorney in Long Island
Your Trusted Partner for Protecting Your Loved One’s Future
When it comes to securing long-term care and financial protection for a loved one with a disability, the help of a knowledgeable special needs trust attorney in Long Island can make all the difference. At Robert H. Solomon, PC, our firm brings over 40 years of hands-on experience assisting Long Island families with establishing special needs trusts that protect essential government benefits, safeguard family assets, and respect the unique circumstances of each client. We offer more than legal solutions—we provide personal guidance and a dedicated approach, helping you make decisions that offer peace of mind for today and in the years to come.
Effective planning for a family member with special needs involves far more than simple documentation—it requires a thorough understanding of both intricate legal requirements and the genuine needs families confront daily. Our team works alongside you to ensure every special needs trust reflects not just legal compliance, but also your values about care, living environment, and ongoing opportunity. We regularly coordinate with local support agencies, care managers, and financial planners throughout Nassau and Suffolk County. By prioritizing accessible communication and thorough guidance, we empower families to move forward with confidence, ensuring every decision supports your loved one’s quality of life.
For trusted legal guidance, reach out to a knowledgeable special needs trust lawyer in Long Island. Call (516) 407-8199 or contact us immediately to schedule your consultation.
Why Families Choose Our Long Island Special Needs Trust Lawyer Services
- Decades of Proven Service: Our firm has spent over 40 years guiding New York families through estate planning and trust creation, offering reliable and informed legal counsel.
- Personalized Attention: We create custom special needs trust plans tailored to your loved one’s specific needs and your family’s vision for the future.
- Accessible Support: We provide convenient same-day, after-hours, and weekend consultations—in person, by phone, or video—so you can get answers when you need them most.
- Bilingual Guidance: Services are available in both English and Spanish, enabling us to serve Long Island's diverse communities with sensitivity and clarity.
- Free Consultations & Respectful Solutions: We always begin with a complimentary consultation, giving you the freedom to learn about your options with no upfront commitment.
Choosing a special needs trust lawyer in Long Island is about finding a partner who takes the time to understand your family and explains your options clearly. Our clients value our dedication to ongoing communication, our familiarity with Long Island’s social service agencies, and our ability to develop strategies that work seamlessly with local regulations. Every special needs trust we establish is grounded in practical, real-world awareness—tailored to be effective under the specific practices of Nassau and Suffolk County. Throughout the process, we aim to provide clarity and comfort, knowing that every detail will be handled with care and professionalism.
Special Needs Trusts in Long Island: Key Considerations
A special needs trust is a legal tool designed to provide for a person with a disability while ensuring continued eligibility for important means-tested programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. These trusts must be drafted with precision, following both federal law (42 U.S.C. § 1396p(d)(4)) and New York State statutes, as well as practical procedures enforced by Nassau and Suffolk County Departments of Social Services.
Having the guidance of a skilled special needs trust attorney in Long Island is essential because local government agencies often have their own practices or requirements for reviewing and accepting these trusts. Our legal team is well-versed in these local nuances and can help you avoid pitfalls that might jeopardize approvals or delay benefits.
Unlike more general estate planning tools, special needs trusts demand very specific language and careful planning around distributions and trustee responsibilities. Local public benefit agencies in Long Island review these trusts for compliance; failure to structure the trust properly can lead to denial of Medicaid or SSI benefits. At Robert H. Solomon, PC, we continuously monitor changes in both state law and county procedures, so families can be confident their plan remains compliant and effective over time. Our team provides practical advice on annual accounting, reporting, and how to properly fund and administer the trust to withstand regulatory scrutiny now and in the future.
Our Step-by-Step Process for Creating Your Special Needs Trust
We strive to make setting up a special needs trust with our team as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect when working with our special needs trust lawyer in Long Island:
- Comprehensive Needs Assessment: We start by getting to know your family, your loved one’s challenges and goals, and the specific support systems you want to maintain or create—whether for a child, an adult, or someone inheriting significant assets.
- Customized Legal Drafting: Each trust we draft is designed to comply with New York and federal law while protecting your family’s interests as they relate to local benefit agencies’ expectations. We ensure the trust provides clear directions for funding, distributions, and future changes.
- Coordination with Local Agencies: Our team will handle required communications and filings with Nassau or Suffolk County agencies, working proactively to obtain trust approval and support continued benefit eligibility for your loved one.
- Asset Transfer Assistance: We advise on and assist with the proper transfer of assets—including inheritances, settlements, or gifts—always prioritizing the protection of government benefits and compliance with Long Island’s agency standards.
- Ongoing Support: Legal planning for special needs is never a one-time task. We remain available after the trust is established for amendments, trustee training, and reviews if your circumstances or the applicable law change.
Every special needs trust we design includes careful documentation for day-to-day administration, clear guidance for trustees, and protocols for making modifications as your family’s needs evolve. We address tax considerations, define successor trustees, and offer trusted local referrals for fiduciary support when appropriate. By demystifying ongoing requirements like annual reporting and helping your family understand how to balance supplemental distributions with public benefit requirements, we aim to ensure the plan works not just at signing—but year after year. Our approachable style means you get answers, clarity, and continual support throughout the legal process and beyond.
Don't hesitate—reach out to an experienced special needs trust attorney in Long Island. Complete an online form to take the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does a Special Needs Trust Protect Eligibility for SSI and Medicaid?
A special needs trust holds assets for a beneficiary without impacting their eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. The trustee manages the funds and ensures distributions meet the beneficiary’s supplemental needs, while preserving their entitlement to government assistance.
Who Can Serve as Trustee for a Special Needs Trust?
A trustee can be any competent adult, family member, professional fiduciary, or qualified institution. Many families in Long Island choose a trusted relative or a local financial institution familiar with government benefit rules and local agency practices.
What Types of Special Needs Trusts Are Available in Long Island?
There are first-party special needs trusts (funded with the beneficiary’s own assets) and third-party special needs trusts (funded by someone else, typically a parent or grandparent). Each must meet federal and New York guidelines to protect eligibility for means-tested benefits.
Can a Special Needs Trust Pay for Anything the Beneficiary Wants?
Distributions from a special needs trust may be used for a wide range of supplemental expenses, including education, recreation, caregiving, and transportation. However, payments for food or shelter must be structured carefully, as they may affect some government benefits.
What Is the Process for Setting Up a Special Needs Trust in Long Island?
The process typically starts with a consultation and assessment by a special needs trust attorney. After gathering financial and family information, your attorney drafts, reviews, and finalizes the trust, assists with funding, and offers ongoing administration advice to ensure proper compliance with Long Island laws and agency requirements.
Contact Our Special Needs Trust Attorney in Long Island Now
Planning for your loved one’s future does not have to be overwhelming. Contact Robert H. Solomon, PC at (516) 407-8199 to schedule your free consultation with our special needs trust lawyer in Long Island. You will receive clear, caring, and practical guidance on every aspect of the process, from your initial questions to long-term trust administration. Our firm is committed to your family’s peace of mind, providing personal support, flexible scheduling, and comprehensive legal experience so you feel confident every step of the way.
Taking the next step is the most important part of securing your loved one’s well-being. By reaching out to our team, you will receive straightforward answers, a roadmap you can trust, and an ongoing partnership for future guidance. Whether you are just starting to explore your options or ready to put a plan in place, we invite you to connect with us for compassionate and qualified assistance in protecting your family’s future.
Get the support you need from our skilled special needs trust lawyer in Long Island. Reach out at (516) 407-8199 now to book your consultation.
