Estate planning becomes especially important when a family includes a loved one with a disability who depends on government assistance. Parents and relatives want to provide financial security, maintain access to essential care, and ensure that support continues even when they are no longer available. Robert P. Bergman helps California families address these concerns through specialized estate planning, including first-party and third-party special needs trusts designed around the beneficiary’s circumstances.
A direct inheritance may create unexpected complications for someone receiving needs-based benefits. An inheritance, settlement, or financial gift could affect eligibility for programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medi-Cal. A properly structured special needs trust offers a way to provide additional resources while following the applicable eligibility requirements. Understanding how these arrangements work can help families make decisions with greater confidence.
