{"id":287084,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:47","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/estate\/trusts\/special-needs-trusts-faq-s.html"},"modified":"2025-07-25T15:53:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T20:53:00","slug":"special-needs-trusts-faq-s","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/special-needs-trusts-faq-s.html","title":{"rendered":"Special Needs Trusts FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Special Needs Trusts FAQ<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/oni-harton-j-d\/\">Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/aisha-success-esq\/\">Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            July 25, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>A special needs trust (SNT) is a legal tool that manages and protects property and assets for a person with disabilities while ensuring they can still receive government benefits such as Medicaid and SSI. The goal is to strengthen financial security for a disabled individual. It can enhance the quality of life for disabled persons without disqualifying them from need-based government benefits. Without a special needs trust, the individual who receives financial help from a loved one may no longer qualify for means-tested benefits.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2><b>Are All Special Needs Trusts the Same?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>No. There are two types of special needs trusts: first-party and third-party. Both types ensure that trust assets benefit a beneficiary without giving them direct access to the funds. However, first- and third-party SNTs also feature a few important distinctions.<\/p>\n<h3>First-Party Special Needs Trusts:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Who funds the assets?<\/b> A parent, grandparent, legal guardian, or court can create a first-party SNT. However, the trust assets originally belonged to the person with a disability.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Is there an age restriction?<\/b> Yes. The beneficiary must be under 65 years old.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Can the trust terms be changed?<\/b> No. First-party SNTs must be\u00a0irrevocable.\u00a0Once a grantor creates an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/irrevocable-living-trust.html\">irrevocable living trust<\/a>, a grantor cannot change its terms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>What happens to the remaining funds?<\/b> First-party SNTs are subject to a\u00a0payback\u00a0requirement at the beneficiary&#8217;s death. This means that when the beneficiary dies, the government receives reimbursement for benefits provided to the beneficiary during their lifetime. The trustee can distribute the remaining trust assets after reimbursement according to the trust&#8217;s terms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>First-party SNTs are sometimes called &#8220;self-settled SNTs&#8221; or &#8220;Medicaid payback trusts.&#8221; They may be referred to as &#8220;(d)(4)(A)&#8221; or &#8220;(d)(4)(C)&#8221; trusts in reference to sections in the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/us\/title-42-the-public-health-and-welfare\/42-usc-sect-1396p.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">federal statute<\/a>\u00a0authorizing this kind of trust as well.<\/p>\n<h3>Third-Party Special Needs Trusts:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Who funds the assets?<\/b> In a third-party trust, the grantor and beneficiary are different people. In other words, someone other than the beneficiary provides the assets in a third-party SNT.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Is there an age restriction?<\/b> No. Benefit eligibility from a third-party trust is open to a disabled person of any age.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>What happens to the remaining funds?<\/b> A third-party SNT is not subject to a government &#8220;payback&#8221; requirement. According to the trust instructions, the trustee can distribute any remaining funds when the beneficiary dies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Can the trust terms be changed?<\/b> A third-party SNT can be revocable or irrevocable. If the trust is revocable, the grantor reserves the power to change the trust terms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How Do Special Needs Trusts Protect Government Benefits?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>SNTs supplement\u2014not replace<i>\u2014<\/i>government benefits provided to beneficiaries with a disability. For this reason, they are also known as\u00a0supplemental needs trusts.\u00a0SNT supplement needs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/ssi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Supplemental Security Income (SSI)<\/a>, which Medicaid does not cover. Please note\u00a0Supplemental Security Income (SSI)<i>\u00a0<\/i>is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/disability.html\">distinct from Social Security (SS)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Because eligibility for these public benefits is need-based, there are income limits. An individual with a disability whose total assets or monthly income are too high could be disqualified. If you leave assets to a loved one with a disability, there could be unintended consequences. Leaving them assets in a will or direct disbursements from a trust may disqualify them from these benefit programs by\u00a0over-providing.<\/p>\n<p>A well-formed SNT solves this problem in two ways. The trustee owns the trust assets. Thus, they are excluded when calculating the beneficiary&#8217;s initial eligibility for government benefits. The trustee must maintain and use the trust assets to benefit your loved one with a disability. The trust terms must clarify that the trustee holds absolute discretion in achieving this goal.<\/p>\n<p>Second, unlike most trusts, an SNT beneficiary does not\u2014and cannot\u2014receive direct disbursements from the trust. This protects the beneficiary&#8217;s eligibility by ensuring their assets and income never exceed the disqualifying threshold.<\/p>\n<h2><b>When Are First-Party\u00a0and Third-Party Special Needs Trusts Used?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>A third-party SNT is straightforward. In this kind of SNT, a third-party grantor funds the trust, and the funds never belong to the beneficiary.<\/p>\n<p>By contrast, the funds in a first-party SNT always<i>\u00a0<\/i>belong to the beneficiary before being transferred to the trust. This situation may arise, for example, if an individual with a disability receives a large amount of money. This could happen when the individual receives:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>A large inheritance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Proceeds from a life insurance policy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>A personal injury settlement<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The sudden windfall might disqualify them from their government benefits. To avoid disqualification, the assets are set aside in an SNT.<\/p>\n<p>There is an added benefit. Remember that a first-party SNT is always irrevocable. The beneficiary does not own or control the trust. Thus, if the beneficiary is sued, the plaintiff cannot touch the first-party SNT funds in an irrevocable trust. By contrast, a third-party SNT is only sometimes<i>\u00a0<\/i>irrevocable. A revocable trust generally does not shield trust assets from creditors and court judgments.<\/p>\n<p>Both kinds of SNTs accomplish the same goal. They ensure that an individual with a disability benefits from trust assets. At the same time, trust administration occurs in a way that does not disqualify them from need-based government programs. Both caregivers and family members concerned for the long-term well-being of a loved one with a disability typically set up an SNT. Again, the key difference is who provides the funds.<\/p>\n<h2><b>How Does a Beneficiary Receive Funds?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>The trustee uses the trust assets to purchase necessities for the beneficiary.<\/p>\n<p>Remember, an SNT beneficiary cannot\u00a0control the trust assets or\u00a0receive direct distributions. Direct distributions compromise their eligibility for need-based government benefits. Therefore, the SNT trustee receives full discretion to spend on the beneficiary. They can purchase health care products, other services, and supplies to supplement the beneficiary&#8217;s government benefits.<\/p>\n<p>This might include the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Personal care attendants<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Vacations<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Home furnishings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Uncovered medical expenses<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Education<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Vehicles<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Physical therapy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Recreational activities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The beneficiary holds no sway over\u00a0these purchases.<\/p>\n<p>As in all trusts, the trustee is constrained by their fiduciary duty to manage the funds to benefit the beneficiary. The trustee of an SNT must be a person who will honor their duty. A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/breach-of-fiduciary-duty.html\">breach of fiduciary duty<\/a>\u00a0can lead to serious legal consequences.<\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is a Pooled Special Needs Trust?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/how-to-feel-great-while-on-a-budget-pooled-charitable-trusts.html\">pooled SNT<\/a>\u00a0combines (&#8220;pools&#8221;) assets from multiple SNTs. Specialized nonprofit organizations manage and invest pooled assets. The beneficiary of each SNT gets a separate account, and the nonprofit chooses a professional trustee to manage the pooled SNT. These trustees purchase things to supplement the beneficiary&#8217;s living arrangements. The appointed trustee acts just like a trustee appointed by the individual&#8217;s family.<\/p>\n<p>What&#8217;s the benefit of a pooled SNT? By combining the resources of many beneficiaries, pooled trusts can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Reduce fees<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Improve the collective pool&#8217;s investment potential<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Provide access to a suitable trustee<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When the beneficiary dies, the remaining funds are distributed according to the trust agreement. Those funds may sometimes be distributed to the nonprofit to further the organization&#8217;s charitable mission. The remaining funds may still be subject to government &#8220;payback&#8221; requirements, which vary from state to state.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Seek Legal Advice from an Estate Planning Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>In many cases, an inheritance through a will may not ensure the long-term security of a family member with special needs. An SNT can help ensure your loved one receives adequate support for years.<\/p>\n<p>Creating an effective SNT using a reputable online legal service company such as <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2857440\/26746?subId1=special-needs-trusts-faqs-custom\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">LegalZoom<\/a> is possible. That said, these trusts can be complex. The governing law varies from state to state. You may not feel confident handling your special needs planning alone. In such cases, it&#8217;s best to seek legal advice from a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/estate-planning\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local estate planning attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Remember, a poorly drafted trust document can lead to severe consequences. It may undermine your good intentions. Therefore, even if you take the do-it-yourself route, having an attorney review your work is still a good idea.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image fl-no-margin\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/image\/upload\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/latl-family-law-adoption-parents-with-downs-syndrome-daughter.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning.html?fli=diyns\">DIY is possible<\/a> in some simple cases\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex estate planning situations usually require a lawyer\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can reduce the chances of a family dispute\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You can always have an attorney review your forms\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/estate-planning\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Estate Planning Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, browse our directory now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/setting-up-a-trust.html\">\n                        Setting Up a Trust\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/types-of-trusts.html\">\n                        Types of Trusts\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/what-is-trust-administration-.html\">\n                        What Is Trust Administration?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Popular Directory Searches<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/trusts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trusts Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/wills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wills Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/divorce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Divorce Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/taxation-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tax Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/elder-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Elder Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/estate-planning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Estate Planning Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/probate-estate-administration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Probate and Estate Administration Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw explains special needs trusts, detailing first-party, third-party, and pooled SNTs. Learn how special needs trusts protect benefits for disabled individuals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":287068,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2728],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-287084","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-estate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/287084","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=287084"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/287084\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":397859,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/287084\/revisions\/397859"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/287068"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=287084"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=287084"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=287084"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=287084"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=287084"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}