Special Needs Planning
Secure Your Child’s Future with Guidance You Can Trust
When a child with disabilities turns 18, everything changes. Legally, they are considered adults, even if they still depend on you for support. Without the right legal planning, including a special needs trust or limited conservatorship, you could lose the ability to assist them with medical, financial, or educational decisions.
At Hall Law Group, we help families create an estate plan that protects your child’s inheritance and keeps your child eligible for public benefits. Whether you're looking to set up a special needs trust or understand your role as a conservator, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—with clarity, compassion, and experience.
When a Child with Disabilities Turns 18, Everything Changes
Special Needs Trust and Conservatorship Services
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Limited Conservatorship
Maintain the legal right to support your adult child in making important decisions. As your local special needs attorney, we walk you through each court requirement and prepare the documents you’ll need to establish a limited conservatorship.
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Special Needs Trust (SNT)
A special needs trust protects your child’s eligibility for public benefits while allowing you to set aside funds for their future. Our special needs trust lawyers help design a compliant, effective trust that meets your family's long-term goals.
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Coordinated Future Planning
We assist with choosing successor trustees or conservators, coordinating with your financial planner or regional center, and ensuring your special needs trust remains aligned with any life changes. Think of it as a complete roadmap for your child’s lifetime care.
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ABLE Accounts
An ABLE Account allows money to be set aside for a person with a disability similar to the way that one may save for college education. This money can grow tax-free over time and withdrawals are allowed for qualifying expenses toward the care and support of the account owner/beneficiary without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits (provided the account balance does not exceed $100,000).
Why Choose Hall Law Group?
Families choose Hall Law Group because we combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of special needs planning. As an experienced special needs law firm, we:
Focus on Special Needs and Conservatorship Planning
We regularly support families raising children with disabilities and understand the legal and emotional complexities involved.
Clear, Compassionate Communication
We explain everything in plain language, take time to answer your questions, and never rush you.
Talk to a Special Needs Attorney Today
Meet the Team
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Julie Glosson Ishii
Partner
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Nathan Phair
Associate Attorney
Answering Your Biggest Questions
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A special needs trust (SNT) is a legal tool that allows a person with disabilities to receive financial support, such as an inheritance or gifts, without losing eligibility for public benefits like SSI. Funds in the trust can be used to enhance quality of life, covering things like education, recreation, transportation, and more.
At Hall Law Group, we help families create special needs trusts that are customized to their child’s needs and aligned with long-term goals.
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While online forms exist, they often don’t comply with California or federal law and do not account for your child’s unique situation. A local special needs trust attorney understands the specific laws and processes in your area and can guide you through everything from designing the trust to selecting a trustee.
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Not directly. Leaving money or property to a person with disabilities without planning can disqualify them from means-tested benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI). A special needs trust allows you to leave an inheritance that supports their well-being without putting those benefits at risk.
We can help you structure this plan to ensure both protection and peace of mind.
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A special needs lawyer focuses specifically on legal tools and strategies for individuals with disabilities, such as special needs trusts and limited conservatorships. While many estate planning attorneys offer general services, they may not have in-depth experience with the rules and exceptions that apply to public benefits law.
At Hall Law Group, we specialize in both estate planning and special needs law—so you get comprehensive support.
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It depends. If your child is unable to properly care for him/herself as an adult, then a Limited Conservatorship may be necessary. We help you assess whether this is the right step.
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During your consultation, we’ll walk you through all your options and set a clear expectation of the cost.
Talk to a Special Needs Trust Lawyer Today
You don’t have to know all the answers or figure it all out alone. Our team is here to help you understand your options and make the right legal decisions for your child’s future.
Or call (925) 460-0711
We proudly serve families in Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Danville, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon, and surrounding areas.