Special Needs Trust Plan. Protect. Prosper.

Grand Rapids Special Needs Trust Lawyer

Planning for the future of a loved one with disabilities requires thoughtful consideration, especially when it comes to financial and legal solutions. 

A special needs trust is a valuable tool that allows families to provide for a person with a disability while protecting their eligibility for essential government benefits. 

Inhulsen Law is here to help Michigan families understand and establish this type of trust to support their loved ones. We have provided clients with valuable estate planning solutions since 2006.

Book a complimentary initial consultation with Inhulsen Law by calling (616) 345-2810. You can also reach us online. 

How Do Special Needs Trusts Work?

This trust is a legal arrangement that holds and manages assets for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Its purpose is to provide supplemental financial support without jeopardizing eligibility for government assistance programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid.

The above programs often have strict income and asset limits, making direct gifts or inheritances problematic. A special needs trust allows families to set aside funds to cover additional expenses without affecting the disabled individual’s qualification for benefits.

A grantor, often a parent or guardian, transfers assets into the trust, which a trustee creates. The trustee manages the trust and uses its funds to benefit the beneficiary.

The trustee is responsible for overseeing the trust’s assets, making payments for expenses that improve the beneficiary’s quality of life, and keeping detailed records of how funds are used. 

The trust can be designed to support the beneficiary during their lifetime, with leftover funds distributed to other family members or charities after the beneficiary passes away.

Expenses covered by the trust might include, but are not limited to:

  • Personal care services and in-home support
  • Training, education, or vocational programs
  • Medical treatments or therapies not covered by government assistance
  • Recreational and social activities
  • Transportation and adaptive equipment

Whether the beneficiary is a child, sibling, or other relative, this type of trust offers protection and long-term planning that can significantly improve their life.

Our Clients Say It Best

    “The knowledge and professionalism were invaluable.”
    “I have been very impressed with Inhulsen law services. The knowledge and professionalism were invaluable. John explained everything clearly and kept me informed throughout the process. I was very pleased with the successful outcome and learned so much from him. I would highly recommend this place!”
    - Lourdes B.
    “Look no further Inhulsen Law!”
    “If you are looking for an attorney who will truly help you build the life you deserve, then look no further Inhulsen Law. As an attorney who has the opportunity to collaborate with John, I can attest to his depth of knowledge as well as his commitment to excellence. Whether you need assistance with the complexities of business formation and planning or building and estate plan to protect the future of your family, John will apply a creative and honest approach that will make you instantly realize you made the right choice hiring Inhulsen Law.”
    - Joshua S.
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    - Salty Dog
    “You should work with Inhulsen Law.”
    “My wife and I had a very positive experience working with Inhulsen Law to update our Will and to put our assets into Living Trusts. The process is very thorough and they take a no-pressure approach to understanding your needs and will give you multiple options, explaining the benefits of each. They use a model where no question is a bad question and will break down what can seem like a complicated process into an easy to understand format. They take a very personal approach to getting to know you and your needs and we never felt rushed, pressured, or confused throughout the whole process. If you want an Attorney who values their clients seeking a long term relationship with you, you should work with Inhulsen Law.”
    - Curt W.
    “I had an excellent experience working with John”
    “I had an excellent experience working with John on our estate planning. He took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all of our questions, and made what initially felt overwhelming into a smooth and stress-free process. We truly appreciated his attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to tailor the plan to our family’s specific needs. We now feel confident knowing everything is in order. We highly recommend John Inhulsen to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and caring estate planning attorney.”
    - Becky L.
    “I definitely recommend him and his services!”
    “I had John draw up my will and was so impressed with how knowledgeable and kind he and his staff were. The process was thoroughly explained and it is a huge relief to have things settled for my kids. I definitely recommend him and his services!”
    - Heidi H.
    “Answer to prayer!”
    “Answer to prayer! My husband and I finally decided it was time to put a Trust and Will in place. It was unnerving to think about estate planning because we did not know who to talk to, where to start or what to expect. Thankfully, after searching the internet for a law firm, we discovered Inhulsen Law. We were more than impressed with the outstanding reviews! Setting up an appointment with John was simple and quick. The entire process was explained to us in an uncomplicated way. In our first meeting with John it was apparent to us that he has a genuine interest in building relationships with people and helping them obtain their goals. John's character is stellar and his knowledge of the law is extensive. It feels good to have a law firm you can trust and someone like John you can reach out to and feel confident he will point you in the right direction.”
    - Lori A.
    “John's professionalism is first tier.”
    “Recently John Inhulsen took time out of his day to call me when I encountered a legal matter over my head. John talked me through it and made me feel so much better about what I was facing. John's professionalism is first tier. Obviously, he knows and understands the legal world, all aspects. I recommend his team highly.”
    - Ted L.

Benefits of Special Needs Trusts

These trusts provide several essential benefits for disabled individuals and their families. 

  • By keeping assets within the trust, individuals remain eligible for programs like Medicaid and SSI, which are often vital for their care.
  • The trust allows families to provide additional services and activities that go beyond the basics covered by government programs. This can improve the beneficiary’s overall well-being.
  • Families gain confidence that their loved one will have financial stability and necessary care, even after parents or guardians can no longer provide direct support.
  • These trusts are tailored to meet the unique needs of the beneficiary, enabling families to customize the arrangement to fit their situation.

Inhulsen Law can help you draft and structure the trust to meet legal requirements, advise on what assets to place within it, and help you select a reliable individual or institution to manage it. 

We can help you create a comprehensive plan that supports your family’s vision and future. 

Call (616) 345-2810 or contact us online for a complimentary case review with our Grand Rapids special needs trust firm. 

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