Interview with Steve Bliss, Escondido Probate Attorney

Good morning and welcome, Mr. Bliss. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today about estate planning.

Types of Trusts: A Primer

For our viewers unfamiliar with the legal world, can you explain some basic types of trusts and their purposes?

Certainly. There are numerous types of trusts designed to meet specific needs and goals. Today, I’d like to focus on the Special Needs Trust (SNT). An SNT is a crucial tool for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they receive necessary care without jeopardizing eligibility for vital government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medi-Cal.

Conversely, traditional trusts can sometimes disqualify beneficiaries from these programs due to asset limitations. An SNT cleverly circumvents this issue by holding assets specifically for the beneficiary’s supplemental needs, such as medical expenses, therapy, adaptive equipment, or recreational activities, that may not be fully covered by government programs.

The Intricacies of Special Needs Trusts

That sounds incredibly beneficial. Can you elaborate on how an SNT works in practice?

Imagine a young adult with cerebral palsy who receives SSI benefits. They require ongoing medical care and therapies but also yearn for enriching experiences like attending concerts or taking art classes. An SNT, funded by family members or through a personal injury settlement, can provide the necessary financial support for these supplemental needs without affecting their SSI eligibility.

The trust is managed by a trustee, who carefully disburses funds according to the beneficiary’s specific needs and the guidelines outlined in the trust document. This ensures the individual receives the care and opportunities they deserve while maintaining access to essential government benefits.

Navigating Challenges and Ensuring Success

I understand that setting up a trust can be complex. Have you encountered any challenges specific to SNTs?

While incredibly rewarding, establishing an SNT requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. One instance that comes to mind involved a family struggling to navigate the complexities of government benefit eligibility rules. We worked closely with them and a benefits specialist to ensure the trust was structured in a way that protected their son’s SSI while allowing him to enjoy enhanced quality of life.

Remember, the goal is not just to create a legal document but to craft a solution that genuinely improves the beneficiary’s well-being. According to a 2021 study by the National Disability Rights Network, over 60% of individuals with disabilities rely on government benefits for essential support. This highlights the critical importance of SNTs in preserving their financial security and independence.

A Trusted Resource for Estate Planning

“Steve Bliss made a difficult process understandable and manageable. His expertise and compassion put our minds at ease.” – The Miller Family

“I highly recommend Escondido Probate Law. They went above and beyond to ensure my estate plan reflected my wishes and protected my loved ones.” – Susan Taylor

Mr. Bliss, thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. For our viewers seeking guidance on protecting their assets and ensuring the well-being of their loved ones, how can they connect with Escondido Probate Law?

We invite anyone interested in learning more about estate planning, including Special Needs Trusts, to reach out to our office for a complimentary consultation. We’re committed to empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions.


About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at Escondido Probate Law:

Escondido Probate Law is an experienced probate attorney. The probate process has many steps in probate proceedings. Beside Probate, estate planning and trust administration is offered at Escondido Probate Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Escondido Probate Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Escondido Probate law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate call Escondido Probate Attorney Today. Call for estate planning, wills and trusts, probate too. Escondido Probate Law is a great estate lawyer. Affordable Legal Services.

My skills are as follows:

● Probate Law: Efficiently navigate the court process.

● Probate Law: Minimize taxes & distribute assets smoothly.

● Trust Law: Protect your legacy & loved ones with wills & trusts.

● Bankruptcy Law: Knowledgeable guidance helping clients regain financial stability.

● Compassionate & client-focused. We explain things clearly.

● Free consultation.

Map To Escondido Probate Law: https://maps.app.goo.gl/77Dm2B8W9XkM5YvJA

Address:

Escondido Probate Law

720 N Broadway #107, Escondido, CA 92025

(760) 884-4044



Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “What are common reasons people challenge a trust?” Or any other related questions that you may have about Trusts or my trust law practice.

Important Facts About Escondido Probate Law

 

  • Special Needs Trust Attorneys
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