Gavel Insight

Navigating Special Needs Trusts in New Hampshire: A Comprehensive Guide For families in New Hampshire with a loved one who has special needs, estate planning takes on an additional layer of complexity and critical importance. While the desire to provide for a child or family member with a disability is universal, simply leaving assets directly to them can inadvertently jeopardize their eligibility for essential government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. This is where a Special Needs Trust (SNT), also known as a Supplemental Needs Trust, becomes an indispensable tool. It's a specialized legal arrangement designed to hold assets for the benefit of a person with a disability without disqualifying them from means-tested public assistance programs. Understanding the intricacies of SNTs within the framework of New Hampshire law and federal regulations is vital. This article will provide actionable legal guidance, explore common scenarios...

Navigating Special Needs Trusts in Maine: A Guide for Estate Planning Estate planning is a critical step for every family, but it takes on a unique and profound importance when a loved one has special needs. In Maine, as in other states, failing to plan appropriately can inadvertently jeopardize essential government benefits that individuals with disabilities rely on for their well-being and care. This is where a Special Needs Trust (SNT) becomes an indispensable tool in your estate planning arsenal. A Special Needs Trust, sometimes referred to as a Supplemental Needs Trust, is a specialized legal arrangement designed to hold assets for the benefit of a person with a disability without disqualifying them from critical means-tested government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program). Without an SNT, a direct inheritance or gift could push an individual's assets above the low thresholds for these programs, leading to...