Durham Special Needs Planning Attorneys

Supporting Families in Caring for Loved Ones with Disabilities

Walker Lambe’s Special Needs attorneys have daily experience with the issues that matter to individuals with disabilities, our attorneys can advise you about:

• Qualifying and applying for public benefits, such as the Medicaid, North Carolina Special Assistance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Programs;
• Availability for Alternative Programs, such as the PACE program and ABLE Accounts;
• Guardianships and alternatives to Guardianship, such as Powers of Attorney;
• Special Needs Trusts/Supplemental Needs Trust

Walker Lambe’s Special Needs attorneys can also offer legal guidance to Trustees that serve for Special/Supplemental Needs Trusts as well as financial planners, personal injury attorneys and family law practitioners who serve individuals with disabilities and their families; our attorneys can offer counsel about:

• Whether or not a Special Needs Trust should be created to hold settlement funds;
• Assist with structured settlements for disabled individuals;
• Assist family law attorneys craft child support agreements for children with special needs as to preserve their public benefits;
• Assist Trustees navigate the world of Special Needs Trusts so that government aid is not compromised;

Understanding Special Needs Trusts: What You Need to Know

A Special Needs Trust enables a disabled beneficiary to receive assets from the Trust to supplement their needs while not compromising essential needs-based government benefits. There is a variety of Special Needs Trusts. For example, some are specifically designed to receive assets that belong to the disabled beneficiary (First Party Special Needs Trust) and others are established to receive inherited assets (Third Party Special Needs Trust).

The attorneys at Walker Lambe can assist you in evaluating the options and establishing a Special Needs Trust that works for your specific situation. Call us today to find out more.

Local Resources for Special Needs Planning in Durham

Families in Durham who are navigating special needs planning have access to a variety of local resources designed to ease the process. The City of Durham offers programs and services aimed at assisting individuals with disabilities, including access to community resources and support networks. Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services provides information on public benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which are crucial for many families in our area.

In Durham, families often face unique challenges, including rising healthcare costs and the need for customized educational support for children with disabilities. The application process for benefits can be overwhelming, especially when trying to balance your loved one’s needs with the complexities of eligibility requirements. That’s where we come in. At Walker Lambe, PLLC, we’re committed to helping you navigate these challenges and establish the right legal framework to protect your family’s future.

Local organizations, such as the North Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council, offer advocacy and additional resources for families facing special needs planning. These organizations can provide valuable guidance as you consider options like Special Needs Trusts and other planning tools that best fit your family’s circumstances.

We encourage you to explore the full range of resources available to you and reach out to us for personalized assistance. Our team understands the local landscape and can guide you in creating a comprehensive plan that addresses your loved one’s needs while maximizing available benefits in Durham. Together, we can work toward a secure and supportive future for your family.

Get in Touch with Us Today to Begin Your Planning

You should not have to worry about what would happen to a loved one with special needs if you were no longer able to take care of them. There are several legal resources available to help you plan for many contingencies. Contact Walker Lambe, PLLC today to learn more.