![Trusts & Estates logo Trusts & Estates logo](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltabaa95ef14172c61/bltbd5defc64f6009ee/670cf9093dbe55752cb9da04/cf81ba8d-3b13-48d4-9e34-9fad6c8627d7.jpg?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
Don't Give Directly To Special Needs RelativesDon't Give Directly To Special Needs Relatives
Often, grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents and the like want to help disabled relatives by leaving them some money. That's why every attorney familiar with drafting special needs trusts (SNTs) advises his clients (typically the parents of the disabled child) to tell friends and relatives about the SNT they've established for their child, and to let them know any contributions they wish to make
November 1, 2009
Michael Gilfix
Often, grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents and the like want to help disabled relatives by leaving them some money. That's why every attorney familiar with drafting special needs trusts (SNTs) advises his clients (typically the parents of the disabled child) to tell friends and relatives about the SNT they've established for their child, and to let them know any contributions they wish to make should go into this trust. That way, the disabled individual's access to public benefits won't be jeopardized.
But funneling all donors' money into one trust can create other difficulties — which attorneys should address when drafting SNTs.
The Small Inheritance Curse
Here's what can happen when relatives give money directly to disab...
Unlock All Access Premium Subscription
Get Trusts & Estates articles, digital editions, and an optional print subscription. Choose your subscription now and dive into expert insights today!
Already Subscribed?