She was a successful entrepreneur, and she knew the importance of protecting her assets. She had a team of lawyers and financial advisors, but she still felt anxious about the future. Linda’s story is not unique.

She relies on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicaid for her basic needs. SSDI provides monthly payments to help cover her medical expenses and living costs. Medicaid provides coverage for her healthcare and other essential services. These benefits are crucial for Rachel’s well-being and allow her to live independently. Rachel’s disability prevents her from working, and she relies on SSDI and Medicaid for her basic needs.

This shift in demographics and living patterns is creating new challenges and opportunities for the aging population. The summary provided focuses on the changing demographics of aging and disability, highlighting the increasing number of older adults with disabilities. This shift is attributed to advancements in medical technology, improved healthcare, and a growing awareness of disability rights. These factors have led to a significant increase in the number of people living with disabilities who are also living longer.

“There’s a real need for more support for families who are caring for loved ones with disabilities.”

This statement highlights the critical need for support systems for families caring for individuals with disabilities. It underscores the gap in existing resources and the challenges faced by these families. The summary also mentions the importance of finding a way to fill the gaps when loved ones with disabilities are no longer able to care for themselves.

An SNT gets around the resource limits by handing over assets to a trustee, who is legally bound to use the funds strictly for the benefit of the person with a disability, known as the “beneficiary.” Trustees make decisions guided by a letter of intent, written when a trust is established. Lawyers say the demand for such trusts is increasing. “I think these trusts are becoming more and more necessary because the system is so unstable,” said attorney Stephen Dale with The Dale Law Firm in Pacheco, California, which specializes in estate planning for families with disabilities. There are various kinds of trusts, which can provide not only a safety net but also guidance to navigate the confusing system of government-supported care.

This can be a daunting task, especially for parents who are already struggling with poverty, homelessness, or other challenges. Navigating the system can be a complex and time-consuming process, often requiring multiple visits to different agencies and waiting periods for responses. The system can be overwhelming, leaving parents feeling lost and helpless.

Amy Tessler followed the same path. After 30 years as an industrial engineer, she became the education and outreach coordinator for The Dale Law Firm — the same firm that had created an SNT for her son, Scott, who is 28 and on the autism spectrum. Tessler, 66, took the job to deepen her involvement in the disability community. In the meantime, she has learned the ins and outs of the SNT she and her husband set up for Scott when he was 9 years old. More important than the document, she said, are the people parents select to carry it out.

“Just because you have a document doesn’t mean you have a plan for how your child is going to be cared for in the future,” she said. “Picking the right team to administer the special needs trust is what’s critical.” Tessler selected a fiduciary — the professional trustee tasked with managing finances for a beneficiary — with an in-house care management team to take over both financial management and care services once she and her husband are no longer able to provide support themselves. “There’s lots of professional fiduciaries out there,” Tessler said. “But I could only find one that was actually able to meet my needs.”

This statement highlights the importance of family support in navigating the complexities of adoption. Family support can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging. It can also help to mitigate the stigma associated with adoption and foster a positive environment for the child.

Scott, a young man from Oakland, is passionate about music. He works part-time at a local grocery store to support his musical endeavors.

“In a lot of ways, the trust is an alter ego for the parent,” Dale said. “A properly done trust is going to focus on more than just the public benefits.” Avoiding pitfalls Choosing the right trustee is important. “You’re giving up your money,” said Goldfarb, policy expert at The Arc. He encourages families to ask whether the organization trusted with the funds conducts financial audits and has an independent board. Rather than choosing a professional, it is common to appoint a family member, like a sibling, as trustee. However, making a sibling the gatekeeper of the money can create an uncomfortable dynamic, said Hall, the San Francisco attorney. And a trusted family friend might not have the skills for it.

“It’s better to let the siblings continue to be siblings, and not take on the role of gatekeeper to the money,” Hall said. “You might have somebody who has the biggest heart in the world, and they may not be that good with finances.” Families frequently go to court because of disagreements over an SNT. To avoid that, Dale encourages his clients to designate a family member as trust protector instead of trustee. A trust protector has the power to remove and replace a trustee if necessary. Managing your money manager Sabrina Padillo is a social worker and case coordinator for the care management company Rehabilitation Care Coordination in San Diego. She works on the other end of SNTs — overseeing the care of an individual as instructed in a trust document.

Padillo is a case manager who helps clients navigate the complex world of healthcare and government benefits. She works with individuals and families facing various challenges, including medical emergencies, chronic illnesses, and financial hardship. **Detailed Text:**

Maria Padillo, a dedicated case manager, plays a crucial role in supporting individuals and families facing complex challenges.

* Padillo, a financial advisor, advises against taking the whole family to Disneyland. * Padillo suggests using a trust to protect assets from creditors. * The Tungs and Tesslers set up third-party SNTs for Rachel and Scott. * Third-party SNTs are used to protect assets from creditors.

This summary presents a brief overview of the differences between third-party and first-party trusts, and how quickly they can be established. It also highlights the specific use case of first-party trusts in holding settlements from medical malpractice cases. Please use the information provided in the summary and generate a detailed and comprehensive text on the topic.

**A. Comprehensive Estate Planning Services at Your Fingertips**
**B.

This fee covers all aspects of the process, including legal research, drafting, and filing. The firm’s approach emphasizes client-centered care, ensuring that clients understand the complexities of estate planning and feel empowered to make informed decisions. They offer a free initial consultation to discuss the client’s needs and goals.

This cost is incurred for the creation of the trust, which involves legal fees, filing fees, and other administrative expenses. The trust itself is a legal entity, separate from the individual investors. The trust is designed to pool the assets of multiple investors, allowing them to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets.

The ABLE Act also introduced a tax advantage for individuals with disabilities. This advantage is in the form of a tax deduction for contributions to ABLE accounts. This deduction allows individuals with disabilities to reduce their taxable income, potentially leading to lower tax liability. The ABLE Act has been praised by disability advocates and experts for its potential to empower individuals with disabilities by providing them with greater financial control and independence.

“You spend your money, you get a sense of accomplishment, and you feel good about yourself.”

This statement reflects a common human tendency to seek immediate gratification and a sense of accomplishment through material possessions. It highlights the “spending it down” mentality, where individuals prioritize spending over saving, leading to a cycle of debt and financial instability. The “spending it down” mentality is often fueled by societal pressures and marketing tactics that promote consumerism.

The Arc is a non-profit organization that provides services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc of San Francisco is a well-known organization in the family, as Tung’s mother had worked there for many years. Tung’s mother had a profound impact on her life, shaping her values and beliefs.

She is a natural leader and enjoys taking charge. She is also a bit of a perfectionist, which can sometimes lead to stress. The transition to adulthood is a significant milestone for both mother and daughter. It marks a transition from dependence to independence, from childhood to adulthood. This transition is often accompanied by a range of emotions, including excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty.

A. The Legacy of a Painter
B. Rachel’s Artistic Journey
C.

“She’s always creating.”

This is a glimpse into the life of Rachel, a renowned artist whose work is celebrated for its vibrant colors and bold strokes. Her artistic journey is marked by a constant pursuit of innovation and a deep connection to her creative process. Rachel’s artistic journey began in her childhood, where she was surrounded by art. Her father, a renowned painter, instilled in her a love for art and encouraged her to pursue it.

“None of us want that to happen.” Reporter Hannah Frances Johansson and photographer Amin Muhammad are with the Investigative Reporting Program at the University of California, Berkeley, Graduate School of Journalism. They covered this story through a grant from The SCAN Foundation.