St. Augustine's Largest Law Firm
Special Needs Planning Attorneys in St. Augustine, Florida
Protecting Loved Ones While Preserving Benefits
Families with children or adults who have disabilities face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. A Special Needs Trust (SNT) ensures that your loved one is financially supported without jeopardizing their eligibility for essential government benefits such as SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or Medicaid.
At St. Johns Law Group, St. Augustine’s largest law firm, our special needs planning attorneys in St. Augustine help families throughout St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra, Palm Coast, Jacksonville, and Northeast Florida create customized plans that protect both assets and quality of life.
Why Special Needs Planning Is Essential
Leaving an inheritance directly to a person with disabilities may unintentionally disqualify them from benefits they rely on. A properly drafted Special Needs Trust:
Preserves eligibility for SSI and Medicaid
Provides supplemental funds for housing, education, travel, and medical needs
Appoints a trustee to manage funds responsibly
Reduces the risk of financial exploitation
Ensures continuity of care and financial stability
Types of Special Needs Trusts
Third-Party Special Needs Trusts
Created by parents or family members, these trusts provide long-term financial support for a loved one with disabilities without impacting government benefit eligibility.
First-Party (Self-Settled) Special Needs Trusts
Funded with the beneficiary’s own assets (such as lawsuit settlements or inheritance). These trusts comply with strict federal and state rules to protect benefits.
Pooled Special Needs Trusts
Managed by nonprofit organizations, pooled trusts combine resources while maintaining separate accounts for each beneficiary.
How Special Needs Trusts Fit Into Estate Planning
Our attorneys integrate special needs planning with a full range of estate planning services, including:
Wills with guardian designations for minor or disabled children
Trusts for probate avoidance and wealth management
Advance Directives to appoint healthcare surrogates and living wills
Durable Powers of Attorney to manage finances in case of incapacity
Probate & Trust Administration if disputes arise over care or distributions
Guardianship & Care Planning
In some cases, a guardianship may be necessary to ensure ongoing support for a person with disabilities. Our attorneys counsel families on whether guardianship, powers of attorney, or advance directives are the best tools for protecting loved ones.
Tax & Financial Planning Considerations
Special needs planning often involves tax strategies and financial coordination. With James Hatfield, J.D./LL.M. in Taxation, our team offers advanced estate and tax planning solutions, ensuring your trust complies with IRS regulations and maximizes long-term protection.
Why Choose St. Johns Law Group?
St. Augustine’s Largest Law Firm – 12 attorneys, 265+ years of combined legal experience
Comprehensive Planning – covering estate planning, guardianship, tax, probate, and trust administration
Local Knowledge – serving families across St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Palm Coast, Jacksonville, and Northeast Florida
Dedicated & Responsive Service® – compassionate support for families with unique needs
Areas We Serve
Our special needs planning attorneys proudly serve:
St. Augustine & St. Augustine Beach
Ponte Vedra & Nocatee
Palm Coast & Flagler County
Jacksonville & Duval County
Green Cove Springs & Clay County
Palatka & Putnam County
Fernandina Beach & Nassau County
📞 Schedule a Special Needs Planning Consultation
Planning for a loved one with disabilities requires careful legal and financial guidance. Our experienced special needs planning attorneys in St. Augustine will help you create a plan that protects their future while preserving essential benefits.
👉 Contact St. Johns Law Group today to schedule your consultation—in person, by phone, or virtually.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Will leaving money directly to my special needs child affect their benefits?
Yes. An inheritance can disqualify them from Medicaid or SSI. A Special Needs Trust protects eligibility.
Can I name a family member as trustee?
Yes, though professional or institutional trustees may be recommended for complex assets or long-term management.
Do I need both a Special Needs Trust and a guardianship?
Not always. A trust manages finances, while guardianship covers legal authority for care decisions. Our attorneys help you determine the best fit.
Meet Our Estate Planning Attorneys
Contact Us:
- 104 Sea Grove Main Street | St. Augustine, Florida 32080
