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SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING
Special needs planning is about more than finances, it's about providing lifelong protection, care, and dignity for individuals with disabilities.
At Anderson Elder Law, we are proud that our founder, Linda Anderson, is a member of the Special Needs Alliance, a national organization of attorneys committed to advancing the quality of legal services for individuals with disabilities and their families. This affiliation reflects our deep commitment to excellence in this area of the law and gives our clients access to a trusted network of professionals and
cutting-edge resources.
We understand the unique needs of every family and help you build a strong legal and financial safety net through proactive, personalized planning. Whether you are a parent planning for a child with special needs or an individual managing your own future, our goal is to preserve access to essential benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), while also enhancing quality of life. We work alongside families to ensure long-term stability, independence, and peace of mind
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Understanding
Special Needs Planning
Planning for a loved one with a disability requires more than traditional estate planning, it requires strategies that preserve access to public benefits while allowing family members to provide supplemental support. Special needs planning includes the use of First-Party and Third-Party Special Needs Trusts, each serving a distinct purpose. A First-Party Trust is funded with the individual’s own assets, such as from an inheritance or legal settlement, while a Third-Party Trust is funded by parents, grandparents, or other loved ones who wish to provide for the individual without disrupting their eligibility for benefits like Medicaid or SSI.
These trusts are highly specialized and must be structured carefully to avoid unintended disqualification from public programs. Working with an elder law attorney ensures your plan complies with both state and federal regulations and reflects the long-term needs of your loved one.
Supporting Health, Wellness & Advocacy
Planning for a loved one with a mental health diagnosis, autism, or a developmental disability comes with unique challenges. Comprehensive planning must include long-term strategies for care, therapies, decision-making, and advocacy. Whether your loved one is a child or adult, their evolving needs require an adaptive legal plan.
At Anderson Elder Law, we help families develop holistic plans that address both emotional and medical needs. We guide families in documenting personal values, routines, and long-term care visions through a Letter of Intent, helping preserve their loved one's identity and preferences.
We believe that every individual deserves to live with dignity, purpose, and inclusion. Our team promotes advocacy across all life stages, ensuring future caregivers and trustees are equipped to maintain a high quality of life and honor the individual’s unique voice.
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Planning for Independence, Aging & Financial Security
From childhood to adulthood and into the golden years, special needs planning must evolve with each life stage. We help families plan for educational transitions, housing, employment, and long-term care, ensuring no step is left unaddressed.
Financial tools like ABLE accounts offer opportunities for individuals to build savings and cover disability-related expenses while preserving eligibility for public benefits. We work closely with families to design integrated financial strategies using ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts to ensure flexibility, autonomy, and future stability.
As caregivers age, it’s crucial to plan for who will take over key roles. We help establish successor trustees, long-term care arrangements, and systems that uphold continuity and security. Through thoughtful legal strategies, we empower individuals and families to face the future with confidence.
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“It is comforting to know that we are in the expert hands in the area of special needs trusts and related matters. We feel that the needs of our family are understood, protected, and given the upmost respect”
Karen R. (Special Needs Planning)
