Special Needs Trust

Special Needs Trust Lawyers in Beaverton, OR

Special Needs Trusts & Legacy Planning in Washington County & Beyond

As a parent or guardian of a family member with special needs, your primary focus is keeping them safe, supported, and cared for throughout their lifetime. However, providing financially for a loved one with physical or developmental differences requires a legal framework. 

Many families naturally assume that leaving an inheritance or a direct cash gift through a standard will is the best path to offer security. In reality, leaving direct assets to a person with disabilities can trigger unintended financial hardships, instantly disqualifying them from critical, means-tested government programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

Sunstone Planning LLC helps you navigate these complexities with clarity. We design custom special needs trusts (also known as supplemental needs trusts) that allow you to fund a loved one’s lifestyle without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. 

We break down the intricate state and federal rules into plain, everyday English, allowing you to build a secure bridge for your child's future support.

Request a free initial in-office or virtual consultation with a Beaverton special needs trust attorney by contacting us online or at (971) 376-7745. 

Our Clients Experince With Us

At Sunstone Planning LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “Thank you so much, Sunstone Planning!”
    “I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone looking for advice with their estate planning.”
    - Todd H.
    “Kaitlyn is an absolute pro!”
    “You need someone knowledgeable, capable, and thorough who remains calm and keeps it simple.”
    - Brady W.
    “The attorney really impressed me.”
    “It was just such a night-and-day difference.”
    - Peter B.
    “Kaitlyn is skilled, professional, and easy to work with.”
    “I am happy working with her and confident referring her. Highly recommend.”
    - Eleni G.
    “We can recommend Sunstone with no reservations.”
    “Sunstone was very professional and an immense help in setting up our trust.”
    - Diane S.
    “I would confidently recommend reaching out to Sunstone Planning.”
    “I’m consistently impressed by the professionalism and expertise she brings to her work.”
    - Brian W.
    “A trustworthy choice who brings total peace of mind.”
    “Excellent, timely communication, thorough explanations of the process, would recommend to anyone.”
    - Grace M.
    “Hands down the best money I have spent.”
    “Kaitlyn really took the time to understand my objectives, a bit complicated, and she put my future plans in place.”
    - Amy S.

How a Special Needs Trust Works

A special needs trust is a legal arrangement where a designated person or entity (the trustee) manages funds specifically for the benefit of a person with a disability (the beneficiary). 

Because the beneficiary does not directly own or control the money inside the trust, the government does not count the trust assets against the asset limits required for public assistance eligibility. 

Our boutique firm assists in structuring a comprehensive plan tailored to your family’s unique goals.

  • Supplementing, not replacing, public benefits: The funds inside the trust are designed to pay for comforts and necessities that government programs do not cover, such as specialized therapy, dental work, computer equipment, transportation, recreation, and educational programs.
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Transparent Legal Care for Pacific Northwest Families

Discussing your child's long-term care should never be rushed by a ticking clock. Sunstone Planning LLC operates on upfront, transparent flat fees, meaning you can ask questions and refine your strategies without worrying about unpredictable hourly bills. 

We take the time to listen, teach, and stand with you through every phase of implementation, from drafting the initial trust documents to properly funding the trust accounts to administering the trust.

Take the first step toward building a reliable, lifelong safety net for your loved one by contacting our firm today. 

Call (971) 376-7745 or reach out online to book your complimentary consultation with a Beaverton special needs trust attorney today. 

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Our FAQ

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 971-376-7745 today!

  • Does a trust replace the need for a will?
    Most estate plans include a will, even if you have a trust. We make sure both documents work together to cover everything.
  • Can I change my trust later?
    Most revocable trusts can be changed or revoked while you're alive. Irrevocable trusts have more restrictions, but we'll explain them fully before you decide.
  • Can a trust help avoid probate in Washington County?
    Yes. A revocable living trust can help assets avoid probate in Washington County and throughout Oregon, as long as it's properly funded.
  • What is the difference between a will and a trust?
    A will decides how assets are distributed after death and usually goes through probate. A trust manages assets during life and after death, and may help avoid probate.