Experienced Hattiesburg Special Needs Planning Attorney Protecting Your Loved One’s Future
Last updated on July 3, 2025
When you have a family member with disabilities, creating a comprehensive plan to protect their future becomes one of your most important responsibilities. Special needs planning involves developing strategies that provide financial security for individuals with disabilities while preserving their eligibility for crucial government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.
At Davis-Morris Law Firm, I understand the unique challenges facing families in Hattiesburg who care for loved ones with special needs. As an experienced special needs planning attorney, I work closely with families to create customized plans that protect both current and future needs while maintaining access to essential government programs.
Why You Might Need Special Needs Planning
Families often discover the need for special needs planning when they realize that traditional inheritance methods could jeopardize their loved one’s benefits. Government programs typically have strict asset and income limits, meaning even modest inheritances can disqualify individuals from receiving necessary services.
Without proper planning, well-intentioned gifts or inheritances may force your loved one to spend down their assets before regaining benefit eligibility. A special needs trust lawyer can help you avoid these pitfalls while securing your family member’s financial future.
Benefits Of Special Needs Planning
Comprehensive special needs planning provides multiple advantages that extend beyond simple asset protection. Proper planning maintains government benefit eligibility while supplementing those benefits with additional resources for enhanced quality of life. These plans can cover expenses not provided by government programs, including recreational activities, specialized equipment and therapeutic services.
Understanding Special Needs Trusts
A special needs trust represents the cornerstone of effective disability planning, allowing families to set aside funds for their loved one’s benefit without affecting government program eligibility. These trusts operate under specific legal requirements that protect the beneficiary’s access to means-tested benefits while providing supplemental resources.
Working with an experienced special needs trust lawyer becomes crucial for establishing trusts that comply with complex federal and state regulations while achieving your family’s specific goals.
Some individuals with disabilities may require guardianship arrangements to help manage their personal and financial affairs. Understanding when guardianship becomes necessary and exploring alternatives helps families make informed decisions about their loved one’s care and independence.
Contact Davis-Morris Law Firm For Special Needs Planning
If you need special needs planning guidance in Hattiesburg, contact Davis-Morris Law Firm today. Call me at 601-602-8874 or reach out through this online contact form to schedule your consultation.