Special Needs Trusts

Protect and Ensure the Welfare of a Special Loved One

When partner Jim Outman joined Claiborne, Outman & Surmay, P.C., in 2001, he brought with him more than thirty years of experience. Along with his extensive experience, Mr. Outman also brings a unique perspective on estate planning for families with children who have developmental disabilities. He understands first-hand how important it is to establish a legal mechanism by which your assets will ensure the protection and welfare of a child after you are can no longer care for them. Mr. Outman is not only the father of an adopted son; he is also the father of a daughter with Down syndrome. He knows what questions to ask and how to address your concerns with empathy and compassion.

We give you peace of mind

If you are the parent or guardian of a child with a disability, or of a vulnerable adult, we can help you plan to assure that their financial and legal needs are met. Contact our offices in Atlanta, Georgia, to meet with one of our attorneys about establishing a special needs trust. Our experience and our personalized attention to the details of your estate planning needs set us apart.

What is a special needs trust?

The United States Congress recognized special needs trusts as legitimate legal instruments for governmental assistance purposes in 1993. A special needs trust is often referred to as a supplemental needs trust. It is a legal instrument that is drafted and implemented to provide financial benefits for someone who has a mental, physical, or emotional disability, and cannot provide for him or herself. A special needs trust may be included as a provision in a testamentary will, but it can also be established as a living trust, with asset distribution beginning before you die. The experienced estate planning attorneys of Claiborne, Outman & Surmay, P.C., can fully explain the many options you have available with a special needs trust, and assist you in planning for your family's special needs.

Contact the estate planning lawyers of Claiborne, Outman & Surmay, P.C., in Atlanta, Georgia, to schedule a consultation with Mr. Outman about establishing a special needs trust.