special needs attorney

California Special Needs Trust Attorney

Protect Your Benefits, Your Financial Security & Your Quality of Life

joseph mchugh special needs attorneyAt LA LAW Center, we help individuals and families create Special Needs Trusts designed to preserve eligibility for important government benefits while protecting their inherited or court personal injury settlement funds.

Attorney Joseph McHugh has more than 20 years of experience helping California clients navigate special needs planning, public benefits protection, and trust administration.

If you or your loved one expects to receive an inheritance, lawsuit settlement, or other financial assets, planning ahead is critical to avoid unintentionally jeopardizing benefits such as:

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Medi-Cal
  • CalFresh
  • Section 8 Housing
  • In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
Schedule A Phone Consultation

Call (818) 241-4238 or submit our contact form to request a consultation.

Important: Planning Before Receiving Funds

Timing is extremely important in special needs planning.

If inheritance or settlement funds are deposited directly into a personal bank account before proper planning is completed, important public benefits may be affected or interrupted.

Our firm works proactively with:

  • Personal injury attorneys
  • Trustees
  • Family members
  • Structured settlement professionals

to help establish Special Needs Trusts before funds are distributed whenever possible.

What Is A Special Needs Trust?

A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a legal arrangement that allows assets to be managed for the benefit of a person with disabilities while helping preserve eligibility for certain public assistance programs.

The person receiving benefits from the trust is known as the beneficiary, while the person or institution managing the trust assets is called the trustee.

Assets placed into a Special Needs Trust may include:

  • Settlement proceeds
  • Inheritance funds
  • Cash accounts
  • Investments
  • Real estate interests

Trust funds may then be used to improve the beneficiary’s quality of life through supplemental expenses that are not fully covered by government benefits.

Expenses A Special Needs Trust May Help Cover

Depending on the circumstances, trust funds may assist with:

  • Medical and dental care
  • Therapy and rehabilitation
  • Education and training
  • Computers and internet access
  • Transportation
  • Adaptive equipment
  • Travel and recreation
  • Entertainment and hobbies
  • Personal care items

Certain distributions involving food or housing may affect SSI benefits, which is why proper legal guidance and trustee education are extremely important.

First-Party Special Needs Trusts

A First-Party Special Needs Trust is commonly used when a person with disabilities receives:

  • A personal injury settlement
  • Litigation proceeds
  • An inheritance
  • Other assets in their own name

In many situations, the beneficiary must be under age 65 at the time the trust is established.

These trusts are designed to help preserve eligibility for public benefits while allowing trust funds to be used for supplemental support and enhanced quality of life.

Our firm can work quickly with personal injury attorneys and trustees to help ensure trust documents are properly prepared before settlement funds are distributed.

Trustee Guidance & Ongoing Support

Creating the trust is only one part of the process.

Attorney Joseph McHugh also provides guidance to trustees regarding:

  • Proper trust administration
  • Permitted distributions
  • Benefit compliance considerations
  • Recordkeeping practices
  • SSI and Medi-Cal reporting concerns

Proper administration is essential to help maintain continued eligibility for government benefits.

Customized Planning For Every Family

Every family’s needs and financial circumstances are different.

When creating a Special Needs Trust, we evaluate:

  • Current public benefits
  • Expected settlement or inheritance funds
  • Long-term care needs
  • Trustee selection
  • Family dynamics
  • Future planning concerns

Our goal is to create a customized legal strategy that protects both financial resources and benefit eligibility.

Convenient Statewide California Services

Although our office is located in Burbank, we assist clients throughout California using:

  • Phone consultations
  • Zoom meetings
  • Email communication
  • Secure document delivery services

Many clients can complete the process from home with the assistance of a mobile notary.

Once documents are signed, the trustee can establish the trust account so funds may be transferred appropriately.

Why Families Choose LA LAW Center

More than 20 years of special needs planning experience

  • California-focused legal guidance
  • Fast turnaround for urgent settlements
  • Personalized trustee guidance
  • Compassionate support for families statewide

Attorney Joseph McHugh and Triage Director, Kathy McHugh work closely with families to help protect benefits while improving long-term financial stability and quality of life.

Schedule A Consultation

If you or a loved one expects to receive a settlement or inheritance and currently receives public benefits, early
legal planning can make an important difference.

Call (818) 241-4238 today to schedule a phone consultation or submit our contact form to get started.