Special Needs Planning
Estate planning for families with children who have special needs involves a unique set of financial, social, and medical considerations. At Usoro & Associates, P.C., we provide the tools and strategies necessary to help you plan effectively for your child’s future, addressing both immediate and long-term needs.
Our Special Needs Planning Approach
Our priority is to ensure that your child with special needs continues to receive the best possible care and support when you are no longer able to serve as their primary caregiver. One of the greatest challenges parents face in this situation is determining how to provide the financial resources their child will need for a lifetime of care and assistance while maintaining eligibility for essential government benefits.
We help you find that balance. Our goal is to protect your child’s access to important public programs while still allowing them to benefit from the financial support you leave behind. We also assist you in appointing a guardian and trustee you can trust—someone who will manage your child’s inheritance responsibly, make important decisions on their behalf, and uphold the values and priorities that matter most to you.
The government allows assets to be held in a special needs trust, which can be used to provide supplemental care and resources for your child without affecting eligibility for public healthcare or income assistance. However, these trusts must be structured carefully to meet complex legal requirements and to adapt to your child’s changing needs over time.
Because both your child’s circumstances and the laws governing special needs planning will evolve, it is essential to work with an experienced attorney who understands this specialized area. At Usoro & Associates, P.C., we create comprehensive special needs trusts that protect your child’s future, provide ongoing flexibility, and bring you lasting peace of mind.
We Help:
- Parents of special needs children who are clear on what kind of support their child needs for the long haul
- Parents of special needs children who are not sure if what they leave behind will be enough to support the child for their lifetime
- Parents of special needs children who currently qualify for governmental benefits
- Parents of special needs children who are exploring how to apply for governmental benefits
- Parents of special needs children who are at any income or wealth level who want to ensure their child is cared for during all phases of life
Aniefiok I. Usoro
My name is Aniefiok I. Usoro, your local Personal Family Lawyer and founder of Usoro & Associates in Houston, Texas. My journey to estate planning has been anything but traditional, and it’s precisely that unique path that makes me passionate about protecting what matters most to families.
Legacy is about more than just wealth—it’s about people, purpose, and peace of mind. We offer personalized legal guidance once reserved for high-net-worth families, helping individuals from all walks of life make wise, lasting decisions. Our Life & Legacy Planning approach goes beyond traditional estate planning. It protects your assets and ensures your values, priorities, and relationships are preserved as part of your family story.
What We Do
We help you to create a personalized plan for your family that includes elements of all of the following, depending on what is best for you and your special needs child. We have thoughtfully packaged what we do into customizable options for you and your family, and all of our fees are flat-rate and agreed to in advance so there are no surprises.
Special Needs Provisions in Revocable Living Trusts
First-Party Special Needs Trusts
Third-Party Special Needs Trusts
Pooled Special Needs Trusts
State-Specific Special Needs Trusts
Gift Planning To Ensure Transfers to Special Needs Trusts Reduce Your Taxable Estate
Schedule Your Free
15-Min Consult
Schedule Your Free 15-Min Consult With our life and legacy planning model, we help you confidently make legal and financial decisions so you know you have a plan to keep everyone you love out of court and out of conflict after you pass. Schedule a complimentary consult to learn more.
Schedule Your Free 15-Min Consult
Schedule Your Free 15-Min Consult With our life and legacy planning model, we help you confidently make legal and financial decisions so you know you have a plan to keep everyone you love out of court and out of conflict after you pass. Schedule a complimentary consult to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Planning
WHAT IS A SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST?
There is no single type of special needs trust that fits every situation. The right trust for your child depends entirely on your family’s circumstances and goals. In general, a special needs trust allows you to set aside assets for your child’s benefit in a way that preserves their eligibility for important government programs such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Some special needs trusts are revocable, meaning you can change or update them during your lifetime. Others are irrevocable, meaning the terms and control over the assets are more limited once the trust is established. Working with an experienced attorney ensures that your trust is structured correctly to provide both financial support and long-term protection for your child.
Do I Need An Attorney?
Yes. Special needs planning is a highly specialized area of law that requires experience and precision. The best outcomes are achieved when you work with an attorney who regularly handles special needs cases and understands how government benefits and trust law interact.
At Usoro & Associates, P.C., we help families design comprehensive plans that ensure their loved one’s care, comfort, and financial security. We believe in building lifelong relationships so that we can continue supporting your family and your child even as circumstances change.
How much does it cost?
We understand that cost is an important consideration. Our services are offered on a flat fee basis so you always know what you are investing in your family’s future. There are no hourly charges or hidden fees.
Because each family’s situation is unique, we do not quote fees online or over the phone. We invite you to attend one of our educational events where we explain our planning process, answer common questions, and outline the next steps for your family.
how much in governmental benefits can my child qualify for?
Eligibility for government benefits depends on your child’s specific circumstances, as well as changes in laws and program requirements over time. There is no single answer that applies to every situation.
Each special needs trust should be tailored to your child’s needs and financial picture. Working with a qualified attorney is the best way to ensure your child remains eligible for benefits while still receiving the care and financial support you want them to have.
HOW DO I MAKE SURE THE GUARDIAN OF MY SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD KNOWS WHAT THEY NEED TO KNOW?
We encourage every parent to create a letter of intent to accompany their legal plan. This personal document provides guidance to your child’s future guardian about how you want your child to be cared for.
A letter of intent should include your child’s medical history, educational background, likes and dislikes, daily routines, and future goals. It serves as a roadmap for your guardian, helping them continue your child’s care with consistency, love, and understanding during what can be an emotional time of transition.
Discover how to take charge of your child’s future and build a fortress of protection that will last a lifetime With Our Special Needs Guide
Discover the steps you can take to plan for the future care of your child with special needs.
In our free guide, we reveal how to design a Special Needs Trust that protects your child’s eligibility for vital government benefits while ensuring they’re cared for by the people you trust most.