Special Needs Trusts: The Paralegal's Guide

Special needs trusts sit at the intersection of estate planning, public benefits law, and disability advocacy, and paralegals carry much of the day-to-day load. This program cuts through the complexity of SNT drafting, funding, and administration, giving paralegals the practical tools to support clients from intake through funding and administration. Attendees leave with a working knowledge of benefit preservation rules, the differences between first-party and third-party trusts, and the administrative practices that keep trusts compliant. Register today! Distinguish between first-party, third-party, and pooled special needs trusts and identify when each is appropriate. Clarify the SSI and Medicaid eligibility rules that govern SNT planning and distributions. Identify mandatory and prohibited provisions in SNT drafting and flag common drafting errors. Coordinate trust funding across litigation settlements, inheritances, life insurance, and beneficiary designations. Apply permitted vs. impermissible distribution rules under the in-kind support and maintenance framework. Prepare and maintain trust administration records sufficient to withstand a benefit redetermination review.