Special Needs Planning
Protect Your Loved One Without Losing Their Benefits
If you have a child or family member with a disability, ordinary estate planning can actually work against them — an inheritance received directly can disqualify them from vital government benefits like Medicaid or SSI.
A special needs trust lets you leave money or property for their benefit — for comfort, care, and quality of life — without putting their eligibility for public benefits at risk.
How This Protects Your Family
- Preserves eligibility for Medicaid, SSI, and other government benefits
- Provides funds for care, comfort, and quality of life beyond what benefits cover
- Names a trustee you trust to manage funds responsibly on their behalf
- Plans for what happens after you're no longer able to be the caregiver
- Coordinates with other family members who may also want to contribute
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a special needs trust?
It's a trust specifically designed to hold assets for the benefit of a person with a disability without counting those assets against the income and resource limits for government benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Can I just leave money to my child in my will instead?
This is one of the most common and costly mistakes in special needs planning. A direct inheritance can disqualify your loved one from benefits they depend on. A properly drafted special needs trust avoids this problem entirely.
Who should I choose as trustee?
Someone responsible and willing to manage funds according to the trust's terms and your loved one's needs — a family member, trusted friend, or professional trustee. We'll help you think through the right fit.
What if grandparents or other family members want to leave money too?
We can help coordinate so that other family members direct their gifts into the special needs trust as well, instead of accidentally leaving assets directly to your loved one.
Talk to Alexander S. Colwell, Esq., CPA About Your Special Needs Planning
A free, no-pressure consultation is the fastest way to get clear answers about your specific situation.
No pressure. No obligation. Just a conversation about your family.
Other Ways We Help Wisconsin Families
A complete plan — trust, will, and powers of attorney — built around your family.
Revocable Living TrustsAvoid probate, keep things private, and make things simple for your family.
WillsClear, legally sound wills that protect your family and your wishes.
Powers of AttorneyName someone you trust to make financial or medical decisions if you can't.
ProbateCompassionate, clear guidance through Wisconsin's probate process.
Trust AdministrationClear guidance for trustees settling a loved one's trust.