Special Needs Trust

Special Needs Trust Lawyers in Beaverton, OR

Over 10 Years of Estate Planning Experience for Your Family’s Special Needs Trust

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. Providing financially for a loved one with physical or developmental differences requires careful legal planning. 

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, direct assets can affect eligibility or payment amounts under means-tested programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, depending on the beneficiary’s circumstances and current program rules.

At Sunstone Planning LLC, we design special needs trusts, also known as supplemental needs trusts, around your family’s goals while accounting for the rules governing public benefits. 

We explain state and federal rules in plain English so you can make informed decisions about 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 (503) 300-2593. 

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 doesn’t directly own or control the money inside the trust, properly structured trust assets may receive different treatment from assets owned outright. Eligibility depends on the trust type, funding source, distributions, beneficiary circumstances, and current public-benefit rules.

A first-party trust holds assets belonging to the beneficiary, while a third-party trust is funded with assets from someone else. Certain first-party trusts may require Medicaid payback, which means remaining funds may need to reimburse Medicaid after the beneficiary’s death.

A special needs trust plan should address:

  • Supplementing, not replacing, public benefits: The funds inside the trust may pay for therapy, dental work, computer equipment, transportation, recreation, educational programs, and other needs that government programs don’t cover.
  • Managing distributions: Payments made directly to the beneficiary or for certain shelter expenses can affect Supplemental Security Income. The trustee must review proposed distributions under the applicable rules.
  • Coordinating funding: The trust terms, source of the assets, and beneficiary’s current benefits all influence how the trust should be funded and managed.
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Special Needs Trust Planning for Beaverton Families

Planning for your child’s long-term care takes time and careful consideration. We offer flat-fee pricing whenever possible, giving you a clear view of legal costs as you evaluate your options. 

Attorney Kaitlyn Metscher brings over 10 years of estate planning experience to our firm. She began as a legal assistant, became an estate planning paralegal, and is now an estate planning attorney.

We take the time to understand your family, goals, and values before recommending a trust structure. Our person-first process focuses on the decisions behind the documents and explains each option in approachable language.

Funding & Implementing the Trust

We guide you through each phase of implementation, from drafting the initial trust documents and funding trust accounts to preparing trustees for administering the trust.

A signed trust doesn’t automatically transfer every asset into it. Wills, beneficiary designations, life insurance funding strategies, and account ownership may need to be coordinated based on the trust type, source of funds, beneficiary’s benefits, and broader estate plan.

We’re licensed in Oregon and Washington and serve clients on both sides of the Columbia River. For Beaverton families with connections to Lake Oswego, Hillsboro, the Portland Metro, or Vancouver, planning may need to account for state-specific Medicaid and trust rules.

Discuss a Special Needs Trust for Your Family

Free consultations are available by phone, in person, or virtually. After learning about your family’s circumstances and goals, we can provide a flat-rate quote whenever possible and explain your options for moving forward. There’s no obligation to continue after the initial consultation.

Call (503) 300-2593 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 503-300-2593 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.