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Special Needs Trust
Plan. Protect. Prosper.
Grand Rapids Special Needs Trust Lawyer
Protecting Benefits, Supporting Loved Ones with Disabilities
A special needs trust (also called a supplemental needs trust) is one of the most consequential documents in disability estate planning. Done right, it lets families provide meaningful financial support for a loved one with a disability without triggering the strict resource limits that govern Medicaid and SSI eligibility. A single drafting error or a trustee who doesn’t understand benefit-program rules can put that protection at risk.
At Inhulsen Law, we’ve helped Michigan families with estate planning solutions since 2006. Attorney John Inhulsen brings a background in business litigation to trust work, meaning he drafts with an eye toward what can go wrong and structures the document to address it. That approach has earned him recognition from Best Lawyers in America from 2019 through 2024 and Michigan Super Lawyers from 2013 through 2024. We offer a complimentary initial consultation to Grand Rapids families who want to start this conversation.
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?
A special needs trust is a legal arrangement in which a grantor transfers assets to a trustee, who manages and distributes those assets for the benefit of a disabled beneficiary. Because the assets are held by the trust rather than owned directly by the beneficiary, they may not count against the resource limits that programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid impose when the trust is properly drafted and administered. Direct gifts or inheritances don’t carry that protection, which is why trust structure matters so much.
First-Party & Third-Party Trusts
There are two main types, and they follow different rules. A third-party special needs trust is funded by a parent, grandparent, or other relative using their own assets. The trust property never belongs to the disabled person, and there’s no Medicaid payback requirement when the beneficiary passes away. A first-party special needs trust is funded with assets that already belong to the disabled individual, often because they received a legal settlement or direct inheritance. This type is subject to a Medicaid payback provision at the beneficiary’s death. Each type requires careful drafting to satisfy both federal requirements and Michigan probate and trust law.
The Trustee’s Role & Allowable Expenses
The trustee’s role is central to keeping the trust compliant. Distributions must be supplemental, covering expenses that go beyond what government programs provide. Shelter costs paid directly by the trust are treated by SSI as in-kind support and can reduce monthly payments, so careful administration matters. Well-administered trusts fund items such as:
Expenses the trust is designed to cover:
- Personal care services and in-home support
- Medical treatments or therapies not covered by government programs
- Training, education, or vocational programs
- Transportation and adaptive equipment
- Recreational and social activities
The trust can be structured to support the beneficiary for their entire lifetime. After the beneficiary’s death, remaining assets may pass to named family members or charitable beneficiaries. We advise families on what trust structure fits their situation, what assets to place in it, and how to select a trustee who can handle the administrative responsibilities. Our goal is a document that integrates cleanly with the family’s broader estate plan.
Our Clients Say It Best
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“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.
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“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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“Fantastic firm, very personable and receptive to what you’re looking for. Listened to my mom and I for her estate planning. Angela was also very attentive to our needs. Have a life long partnership. Thank you both!”- Salty Dog
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
Why Getting a Special Needs Trust Right Matters
Medicaid coverage and SSI payments are often the foundation of a disabled person’s daily care. Losing them isn’t a paperwork inconvenience; it can mean losing access to housing, medical services, and essential support programs. That’s why the drafting and administration of the trust deserve careful attention from a Grand Rapids special needs trust attorney who understands both the document and the benefit programs it interacts with.
Common Mistakes That Put Benefits at Risk
Families working without experienced counsel tend to run into a predictable set of problems: funding the trust with the wrong assets, making distributions that SSI treats as basic support rather than supplemental, failing to coordinate the trust with a will or other estate documents, or relying on generic templates that don’t account for Michigan’s specific requirements. A trustee who lacks guidance on distribution rules can inadvertently disqualify the beneficiary from SSI or Medicaid even when the trust itself is correctly drafted.
How We Help You Build the Right Trust
Working with a special needs trust lawyer at Inhulsen Law means the trust is designed to accomplish what your family needs it to accomplish. We draft and structure the document to meet Michigan legal requirements, advise on what assets belong in the trust and how to fund it properly, and help you identify a trustee, whether an individual or a professional institution, who can handle the ongoing administrative responsibilities. The result is a trust tailored to your loved one’s specific situation, with the flexibility to adapt as circumstances change over their lifetime.
Call (616) 345-2810 or contact us online to schedule a complimentary consultation with our Grand Rapids estate planning team.
