Special Needs Trust Lawyer in Long Island

Secure Your Loved One’s Future With Careful Planning

When you need to protect someone with disabilities and help them keep access to government benefits, careful planning is key. At The Virdone Law Firm, P.C., our special needs trust lawyers in Long Island guide families through every step of creating a special needs trust. Our team understands state law, local rules, and the realities families face—so you can support your loved one with confidence and peace of mind.

Call (516) 712-2142 today to schedule a consultation with our Long Island special needs trust lawyer. 

Why Families Choose Our Special Needs Trust Lawyers on Long Island

Families across Nassau and Suffolk Counties choose our firm for thoughtful guidance and practical solutions designed for real people. We work directly with you, explain every option, and answer questions in plain language. Our approach means tailoring each trust document and strategy to your wishes while ensuring full compliance with New York law. As special needs trust attorneys in Long Island who focus on elder law, we connect legal precision with a personal touch—always respecting your family's unique values.

• Personal guidance — You get hands-on, personalized support throughout the entire process.
• Comprehensive planning — We factor in important benefits such as Medicaid, SSI, and planning for future care, so your strategy supports your loved one now and in the years to come.
• Clear communication — We answer your questions with straightforward advice, giving you clarity and peace of mind.
• Local knowledge — We stay up to date with the latest requirements and court procedures specific to Long Island, so your trust aligns with both state law and local expectations.

Understanding Special Needs Trusts in New York

A special needs trust helps manage resources for individuals with disabilities while protecting eligibility for vital government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). By establishing a trust with the help of a skilled special needs trust attorney in Long Island, you ensure that funds set aside for your loved one will not count against the strict income and resource limits set by these programs. This strategy lets you support their needs—housing, therapies, recreation, and more—beyond basic assistance.

How Special Needs Trusts Work

A trustee manages the assets in the trust for the benefit of your family member, following specific rules designed to safeguard eligibility for programs like Medicaid. In New York, both first-party and third-party special needs trusts exist, each serving different situations based on where assets originate. The trust pays for supplemental items or services not already covered by government benefits, improving your loved one’s quality of life with funds used solely for their care.

Unlike a direct inheritance, assets placed in a special needs trust are kept separate from government aid calculations. Proper trust management also requires choosing a trustworthy trustee, setting clear guidelines, and following state requirements. With the help of an experienced special needs trust lawyer in Long Island, you can avoid administrative pitfalls and make sound decisions about trustees and successor managers, so your loved one is protected now and into the future.

Our Process for Creating Your Special Needs Trust in Long Island

Our legal team guides families through a proven, step-by-step approach designed to deliver certainty and clarity. We take time to make sure every part of the process aligns with your goals and follows the evolving requirements specific to Long Island and New York State.

• Initial consultation — We learn about your family, review your needs, and explain the different types of special needs trusts available in New York, such as first-party and third-party trusts.
• Strategy and design — We help you select a trust structure that fits your loved one’s situation and future care needs.
• Drafting documents — Our legal team prepares the necessary documents, ensuring they incorporate language required by state law and reflect best practices for Long Island families.
• Review and signing — We walk you through every provision, answer all questions, and handle local execution requirements for Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
• Ongoing support — We remain available for guidance and to assist with any updates, making sure your trust stays in line with changing laws or family needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can set up a special needs trust?

A family member, legal guardian, or in some cases the individual with disabilities may create a special needs trust, depending on which trust type is appropriate under New York law.

Will having a special needs trust affect government benefits?

A properly drafted special needs trust preserves eligibility for government programs like Medicaid and SSI, while providing funds for additional needs not covered by those benefits.

What assets can go into a special needs trust?

A special needs trust may hold cash, inheritances, life insurance proceeds, settlements, or other property, managed for the beneficiary under the trust’s written terms.

How often should a special needs trust be reviewed?

Families should review their special needs trust whenever their assets, laws, or public benefit rules change, or if their loved one's care needs evolve.

Is court approval required for a special needs trust?

Court approval may be necessary for certain first-party special needs trusts in New York, particularly if the trust is funded by a settlement or the beneficiary is under guardianship.

Connect With Our Special Needs Trust Lawyer in Long Island

Planning for your loved one’s future should give you comfort, not confusion. Contact The Virdone Law Firm, P.C. to schedule a personal consultation with a special needs trust attorney in Long Island who will walk you through each step and work to safeguard your family’s wishes. By reaching out, you take control of your planning with guidance rooted in legal accuracy, thoughtful listening, and an ongoing commitment to your family’s peace of mind. 

Call (516) 712-2142 today to schedule a consultation with our Long Island special needs trust attorney.